Ethan Taylor Commits to Michigan State, Elevates 2026 Class Rankings

Top-35 senior Ethan Taylor has officially committed to Michigan State University, a decision that is set to significantly enhance the Spartans’ standing in the 2026 recruiting class rankings. Announced on Friday, this commitment positions Michigan State among the top three classes nationally, bolstering their recruitment efforts under head coach Tom Izzo.

Excitement Surrounds Michigan State Commitment

During his visit in early October, Taylor felt a strong connection with the program. “When I was looking for a school, Michigan State checked all my boxes,” he stated. “The fanbase is amazing, and I can feel the immense amounts of love from them; they treated me like I was a part of the team on my visit.”

His visit coincided with Michigan State Madness, and Taylor described the experience as surreal. “The Izzone was insane. The fans were chanting my name,” he recalled, emphasizing the impact of the supportive environment. Taylor’s relationship with Izzo ultimately influenced his decision to join the Spartans over offers from schools such as Kansas, Oregon, Indiana, and Oklahoma.

“Coach Izzo is incredibly passionate, and he really cares about his team and treats the players like his family,” Taylor explained. “He’ll push you to be the best you can be while holding you accountable but also loving on you. The culture he’s created, where all the former players come back and work out with the team for ‘Grind Week,’ is cool. It says a lot about him as a coach and the staff.” He also noted the welcoming atmosphere from current players, further solidifying his choice.

Impact on Michigan State’s Future

Entering the early signing period, Michigan State’s recruiting class was already ranked sixth nationally, featuring prospects such as Jasiah Jervis (No. 50), Julius Avent (No. 70), and Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 89). With Taylor’s commitment, the Spartans can expect to rise into the top three, given his status as the highest-ranked commitment in the class.

Ranked as the No. 3 center and No. 32 overall prospect in the 2026 class, Taylor has shown consistent improvement over the past year. He recently averaged 9.4 points and 8.8 rebounds while playing for MoKan Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, demonstrating exceptional shooting efficiency at over 69% from the field. His abilities include running the floor with agility, rebounding effectively, and blocking shots to protect the basket.

As Michigan State prepares for the 2026-27 season, Taylor’s skills will be essential in offsetting the loss of starting big men Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, both of whom will be graduating. His addition is not just a boost in talent but also an important step in continuing Michigan State’s legacy of success in college basketball.