East Lansing — At 70 years old and in his 31st season leading Michigan State’s men’s basketball team, head coach Tom Izzo continues to showcase his exceptional ability to recruit top talent. Recently, he solidified what is being hailed as his best recruiting class, highlighted by the commitment of 7-foot, 244-pound center Ethan Taylor. Taylor joins a 2026 class that also features shooting guard Jasiah Jervis, point guard Carlos Medlock Jr., and forward Julius Avent, with Taylor earning a five-star prospect rating while the others are four-star recruits.
“I’m really excited,” Izzo stated during his pregame radio show ahead of the Spartans’ 79-60 victory over San Jose State. His enthusiasm was echoed by Taylor, who vowed that Michigan State fans can expect “a hard worker” ready to contribute immediately.
Taylor’s commitment propelled Michigan State to the No. 1 recruiting class nationally, as ranked by 247Sports, jumping from fifth position. This marks Izzo’s highest-rated recruiting class since the No. 3 class of 2023, which included current standout players such as point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and forwards Coen Carr and Xavier Booker.
Among the recruits, Jervis is particularly noteworthy. Standing at 6-4, he is recognized as a two-way guard from Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, N.Y., and is currently ranked 35th nationally and third among shooting guards. His shooting capabilities are expected to address the team’s previous struggles with accuracy. Izzo praised Jervis, drawing comparisons to former Spartan Gary Harris, noting, “He can really shoot the ball, which we need. He can really defend the ball. And when you can do those two things, that puts you in a special class.”
Taylor, rated among the top centers, was pursued by notable programs including Kansas, Indiana, Oregon, and Oklahoma before choosing Michigan State on the last day of the early signing period. He’s currently completing his senior year at Link Academy in Branson, Mo., after starting at Shawnee Mission Northwest in Kansas.
Medlock Jr. adds depth to the point guard position, known for his creativity and speed despite being undersized at 5-11. He is ranked the eighth-best point guard and reminds Izzo of past talents like Kalin Lucas. Izzo highlighted Medlock’s prowess, saying, “C.J. is just a dynamite little point guard that’s got electrifying speed and he can shoot the ball.”
Avent, a 6-7 power forward from Oradell Bergen Catholic in New Jersey, rounds out the class. He is ranked as the 13th best power forward, and his family has a strong basketball legacy, with his father, Anthony Avent, playing in the NBA after a successful career at Seton Hall.
As the Spartans anticipate the departures of five players from this year’s roster, including center Carson Cooper and forward Jaxon Kohler, they remain flexible for potential additions through the transfer portal or the freshman class.
The season ahead is promising, with the 17th-ranked Spartans gearing up for a highly anticipated Champions Classic matchup against No. 9 Kentucky at Madison Square Garden this Tuesday.
Michigan State’s women’s basketball program also made strides Friday by securing the commitment of Lilly Williams, a highly-regarded 6-5 center from Howell, who is the top player in the state. Her addition not only bolsters the Spartans’ roster but also improves their recruiting standing nationally.
Williams is ranked fifth among centers and 29th overall in the country. Head coach Robyn Fralick expressed excitement about her, stating, “Lilly has an incredible Spartan pride… and we are very excited to have her in Spartan uniform soon.” With family ties to collegiate sports, including her father and siblings, Williams brings a legacy of athleticism to the team.
Both recruiting classes signify a bright future for Michigan State’s basketball programs, setting the stage for continued success in the seasons to come.