Michigan State Basketball Lands No. 1 Recruiting Class with Historic Four-Man Haul
In what amounts to a recruiting home run for Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State basketball has assembled the nation’s top-ranked 2026 recruiting class, securing commitments from four elite prospects who officially signed with the program in November 2025 . The Spartans’ class, which briefly held the No. 1 spot nationally according to 247Sports before settling at No. 2 behind Duke, represents one of the finest collections of talent Izzo has assembled in his decorated tenure .
**The Four Pillars of the Class**
The class is headlined by five-star center **Ethan Taylor**, a 7-foot, 244-pound force from Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, who chose Michigan State over Kentucky and Kansas . Taylor, ranked No. 28 nationally by 247Sports, brings elite physical tools with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and has drawn comparisons to former Purdue big man Zach Edey for his ability to dominate the paint while displaying surprising agility and passing vision .
Joining Taylor from Link Academy is point guard **Carlos Medlock Jr.**, a Detroit native who returned home to commit to the Spartans. Medlock, who shot up 20 spots in rankings to No. 45 nationally, is a lightning-quick, score-first guard whom Izzo has compared to former Spartan great Kalin Lucas . Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11, Medlock’s ball-handling creativity and defensive tenacity have scouts raving .
From the East Coast, Michigan State added shooting guard **Jasiah Jervis** (No. 33 nationally) from Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, New York, and power forward **Julius Avent** (No. 84 nationally) from Bergen Catholic in New Jersey . Jervis, a 6-foot-4 sharpshooter with a college-ready frame, has drawn comparisons to Gary Harris for his ability to guard and shoot at a high level . Avent brings a unique physical profile at 6-foot-7 with a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan, giving Izzo a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions .
**Why They Chose Michigan State**
For each of these top prospects, the decision came down to one man: Tom Izzo. At 71 years old, Izzo continues to prove that his relationship-based approach resonates with recruits even in the NIL era . Medlock spoke of wanting to “set the standard” and embrace the leadership responsibilities Izzo demands from his point guards . Taylor was drawn to the family culture, noting how former players return to work out with the team and describing Izzo as someone who “pushes you to be the best you can be while holding you accountable but also loving on you” .
Izzo himself emphasized the family-first approach, personally making pizza with Taylor during his visit and building connections with parents throughout the process . “In this day and age of transactions, Michigan State is still trying to be a relationship-based program,” Izzo said after the signings .
**What This Means for the Spartans**
The 2026 class arrives at a critical juncture for Michigan State, as the program loses both Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper to eligibility after this season . Taylor is expected to step in immediately and provide a dominant post presence, while Jervis could contribute right away as a movement shooter in the Spartans’ backcourt .
With the class officially signed and all four members nominated for the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game, Michigan State fans have every reason to be excited about the future . As Izzo noted after leading the Spartans to another Sweet 16 appearance in March 2026, he’s “not going anywhere”—and neither is the program’s championship pedigree .
