Smith welcomed his second recruiting class to East Lansing on Wednesday
Jonathan Smith often appears at press conferences with a clean-shaven look. However, during Wednesday’s National Signing Day address, he showed the stubble of someone who has been working long hours to finalize his second recruiting class at East Lansing.
On Wednesday, 17 new scholarship players were officially welcomed to the program. Rather than signing national letters of intent, players now sign financial aid agreements, with 11 of MSU’s new signees set to move to campus next month as early enrollees.
The Spartans’ recruiting class, which includes players from nine states, is currently ranked 60th nationally in the 247Sports team rankings.
Here are the key points from Smith’s comments about his latest recruiting class:
OPENING STATEMENT
“It’s always an exciting day. It marks the finish line of a lot of hard work. I’m really pleased with where we landed today. This is an important piece of the puzzle in putting together our roster. While you can build your team throughout the year, Signing Day remains a crucial aspect, especially for high school recruits.
“There are a couple of things I really like about this class. We took an inside-out approach, signing seven players from Michigan, two from Ohio, and one from Illinois, along with others from states ranging from California to Maryland. A recurring theme is that many of these players come from quality programs with a history of winning, some even playing in state championship games. I believe that experience is valuable, as it indicates they’ve been part of programs that emphasize doing things right and winning at a high level. A few key guys in this class had standout senior years, and we closely tracked them, successfully bringing several on board.
“With 11 of them arriving in January, I’m eager to get started with them in less than a month.
“I want to take a moment to thank the coaching staff for their hard work in evaluation and building relationships throughout the recruiting process. Our recruiting department has also put in a tremendous amount of effort scouting and analyzing players.
“I’d like to recognize Spartan Nation NIL. Given the evolving landscape of college football, NIL has been a crucial element not only for this recruiting class but also for roster retention as the transfer portal opens next week. Spartan Nation NIL played a significant role in that effort.
“The class is balanced in terms of offense and defense, addressing both immediate needs and areas for growth, particularly in the secondary, the quarterback position, and the offensive line. Overall, it’s a well-rounded class.”
ON HOW MSU RECRUITED JACE CLARIZIO BACK INTO THE CLASS
“We just kept competing. We all felt confident that our program was the right fit for him—not just because he’s nearby, but because of the relationships we built with him, his family, and understanding his personality. We reassured him about our program’s direction and how he could become a legacy here. Ultimately, I think he made an excellent choice.”
ON NIL’S IMPACT ON FUTURE RECRUITING
“We’re aware of the influence that NIL has, and it will be a factor moving forward. It’s one piece of the puzzle in identifying the qualities we seek in recruits. While NIL is important, so are school, teamwork, talent level, and fitting into our locker room. NIL will be part of our conversations, and it’s here to stay.”
ON WHETHER THE ELIMINATION OF THE NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT CHANGED THE PROCEDURE FOR COACHES
“There are some legal differences, but the overall process remains similar. The documents submitted today were much the same as before. This year, the recruits have a month to finalize their decisions, but I’m confident all 11 will be here in January. The situation is somewhat different from how it used to be with the national letter of intent.”
ON JACE CLARIZIO POTENTIALLY MAKING AN INSTANT IMPACT AT MSU
“Having watched him and got to know him, I believe he has an immediate opportunity to contribute to our offense and potentially on special teams as well. He will arrive in January and will need to acclimate during the first couple of months, learning our system and getting into the weight room. Spring practices will begin in March, and he’ll have the chance to show his skills. Like all freshmen, if they’re ready to play, we’ll give them the opportunity. Jace will be one of those players.”
ON MSU’S SUMMER RECRUITMENT AND MESSAGE TO LATER PROSPECTS:
“I don’t believe the pitch changed significantly. Our discussions in June focused on what this program can achieve, our development approach on and off the field, and maintaining competitiveness in practice and the weight room—all of that remained consistent. We did communicate to recruits in June that we were entering Year 1, which often comes with its challenges. I think that perspective helped us navigate the season when we faced some hurdles. For those who committed later, they were able to observe the team’s performance on TV and noticed opportunities they wanted to be a part of, making some of these conversations different from those in June.”
ON PLAYERS WHO CAN IMPACT THE TEAM IMMEDIATELY AND THE CHALLENGES OF LATE ENROLLMENT:
“I don’t think the difference between enrolling in the summer vs. January is as significant as it may seem. Depending on the position, it might be particularly tough for quarterbacks coming in during the summer. It’s hard to pinpoint a specific player, but Ayden West has a chance to make an early impact in his career. Derrick Simmons also stands out with his current physical readiness for a mid-year enrollment. Ultimately, all 11 recruits will have opportunities. I’m especially excited to see Leo throw the ball; he was performing well before suffering an injury late in his senior season.”
ON SIGNING AYDEN WEST AFTER MARTIN’S DEPARTURE AND THOUGHTS ABOUT MARTIN LEAVING:
“I appreciate the work Coach Meat put in during his time with us; he accomplished some good things. His decision to leave was largely driven by family and personal circumstances. Even though Ayden West had a strong bond with Coach Meat, we ensure our staff builds multiple relationships with recruits, as things can change. Ayden looked at the bigger picture of our program and still felt confident in his choice.”
ON RECRUITS’ EXPECTATIONS TO PLAY IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID TRANSFERRING:
“The current landscape suggests that not all recruits are solely focused on immediate playing time; many are eager to develop and work hard. However, it’s a constantly evolving challenge managing the roster. Just this month, there has been much movement, making it hard to predict roster changes compared to two or three years ago. We’re meeting with every player this week to gauge their perspectives and discuss how they can enhance their performance.”
ON THE IMPACT OF REMOVING SCHOLARSHIP LIMITS AND NIL PAYMENTS:
“We’re currently operating under an 85-scholarship limit, but we anticipate increasing the roster size to 105, likely by late August. We are actively discussing revenue sharing, which starts July 1, as part of our strategy moving forward. The Spartan Nation NIL initiative is crucial, and we must maintain momentum from now until July to ensure effective recruiting and roster retention.”
ON ESTABLISHING IN-STATE RECRUITING WITH CLARIZIO AND OTHERS:
“It’s vital to maintain momentum. For local players, staying home to play in front of family and friends adds value to their college experience. Many will remain involved in their siblings’ lives while enjoying a big-time college experience. Jace’s decision to choose us over other top options enhances our confidence in what we are building.”
ON BLUE ADAMS’ ROLE AFTER MARTIN’S DEPARTURE:
“Blue has been incredibly important during this transition. When a position coach leaves, it can be unsettling, but he connects effectively not just within the secondary but across the entire team. He has played a crucial role in recruiting our incoming defensive backs.”
ON FLIPPING CLARIZIO FROM ALABAMA:
“This demonstrates our ability to compete at a high level. Several of our recruits had strong offers, and their decisions to join us reflect their belief in our direction. However, we will continue our own evaluations, appreciating both highly sought-after players and those who have had great senior seasons.”
ON EXPECTATIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SIGNINGS IN FEBRUARY:
“Yes, it’s possible. We won’t bring in 18 new players in February, but we are always working to improve our roster and will pursue high school prospects who fit our team.”
ON HAVING THREE COMMITS FROM ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S:
“It was great to see their championship success this season. From the start of my recruitment, I saw several talented players there. Jayden Savoury, our tight end, showed promise during summer workouts, and DJ White has also played a key role in recruiting. Both come from supportive families.”
ON HOW MANY PLAYERS MSU COULD SIGN IN FEBRUARY AND BALANCING FUTURE CLASS COMPOSITION:
“Philosophically, we’re moving towards a more balanced approach, potentially 50-50 between high school recruits and transfers. While we want to focus primarily on high school athletes and complement with the portal, the current environment might require adjustments.”
ON WHETHER THIS SIGNING DAY WAS SMOOTHER THAN LAST YEAR:
“This one was definitely less stressful due to increased roster awareness and familiarity with our strengths. Reflecting on last year, I’m proud of the contributions we received, particularly from portal recruits like Jordan Turner and others. As we approach another month with roster movements expected nationally, I believe we can successfully navigate the portal again.”
ON PLANS FOR WALK-ONS WITH REMOVAL OF SCHOLARSHIP LIMITS:
“Yes, we will still allow 85 scholarships and up to 20 walk-ons.”
ON ADEQUATE NIL RESOURCES:
“Your point is valid; engaging outside help for roster retention is crucial. The July 1 start for revenue sharing will be significant. We aim for continuous improvement within our program—coaches, players, and external resources. Spartan Nation NIL is vital for our ongoing development and competitiveness in recruiting over the next six months.”
ON WHAT ATTRACTED HIM TO QB LEO HANNAN
“What really caught my attention was his passion for football. Right from the start, he wanted to dive into discussions about schemes and get on the board. We had established a relationship with him dating back to Oregon State, which stood out. It’s clear he loves the game and wants to understand it better, which is important for a quarterback. Plus, his natural passing ability is impressive—he’s not just a thrower, but a true passer. With his strong arm and athletic build, he really stands out.”
ON LINEBACKER LEONARD AH YOU’S STORY
“A significant aspect of Leonard’s recruitment was our past relationship, having recruited him a few years back at Oregon State. When he visited, we built a strong connection. His mission experience is also valuable, and he will complete it by the end of March or early April. We maintained contact mainly through his family, having FaceTime conversations with his parents leading up to Thanksgiving. On that Sunday before the holiday, they had their family dinner early because they serve a community meal on Thanksgiving. That connection is important, and Coach Suiaunoa played a key role in this. We’re excited to welcome him.”
ON WHERE AH YOU’S MISSION WAS TAKING PLACE AND IF THERE’S ANY CONCERN WITH HIM BEING RUSTY AS A FOOTBALL PLAYER
“I believe he’s on his mission in Samoa. There’s definitely a possibility he might be a bit rusty when he returns. We’ve seen players come back from Mormon missions who take some time to get back into shape. He’ll be back in April, and with a full summer of training ahead, we’re confident he’ll be ready.”
ON HOW MUCH DC JOE ROSSI WILL STEER THE SEARCH FOR A NEW CB COACH
“This will definitely be a collaborative effort, with Joe heavily involved alongside the defensive staff. These decisions are crucial. We have a lot to offer and significant interest from high-profile candidates for the job. We’ll find the right fit, and Joe and I will communicate extensively throughout this process.”
ON TWO MACOMB DAKOTA TEAMMATES DI’MARI MALONE AND JUSTIN BELL
“Di’Mari is a very athletic player who truly values football. He plays a physical style of game and comes from a great family. Justin performed really well at our summer camp, showcasing his good size, and we were able to work him out effectively. I like the idea of having these two in-state players join our program while allowing their families to support them throughout their college careers.”
ON WR BRAYLON COLLIER
“Braylon brings significant production to the table. He’s having a standout year, demonstrating natural hands and solid route-running skills, especially for a high school player. He comes from a strong program and has a big championship game this weekend. He’s been committed for a while, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know his family—they’ve attended several games to support us in recruiting efforts.”
ON HIS OBSERVATIONS RECRUITING OHIO
“Ohio and Michigan both have quality football and coaching. High school football in these states produces a wealth of talent, and we want to continue strengthening relationships with high school coaches. There are many good players here, and I hope next year we’re discussing more than just two recruits from the area.”
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF STAR RANKINGS AND WHETHER A TEAM CAN WIN A CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WITHOUT A TOP-30 CLASS
“I’m not saying star rankings don’t matter at all. We trust our evaluations, and while we would like to land more four- or five-star players, it’s crucial that they fit our program. With the current roster dynamics and transfer options, winning a championship might not depend solely on having a top-ranked class. It’s still significant, but not every elite recruit fits our system. We have some strong players already, so we’ll see how it unfolds in a couple of years.”
ON HIS REVIEW OF HIS FIRST SEASON AT MSU
“We need to improve. I’m optimistic about the young talent on our roster. Just look at Aidan—his development over his first year as a starter was impressive, particularly his statistical improvement in the latter half of the season. He has good support around him, and we have promising young players who need to keep progressing. Defensive line improvement is necessary, and we have a few players who could return and elevate their game. There’s also young defensive talent that gained meaningful experience and will need to step up. This is a crucial month for us; if we can maintain our success in recruiting like last year and help our current players grow, we’ll be on the right path. I enjoy focusing on the schematic development of our game. As coaches, we need to improve too.”
ON WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE HE WANTS TO SEND WITH THIS CLASS
“With this class, we’re laying the groundwork for the future. We aim to be a place of growth, and these recruits will play a significant role in that process.”
ON IF HE KNOWS OF ANY PLAYERS WITH REMAINING ELIGIBILITY WHO AREN’T PLANNING TO RETURN NEXT SEASON
“Nate (Carter) comes to mind. His decision-making timeline involves several factors, and we still have some meetings to finalize this week and next. However, I don’t have any announcements regarding players’ intentions yet.”
ON HOW MUCH MORE IMPORTANT EVALUATING CHARACTER AND FIT ARE IN THE AGE OF UNRESTRICTED TRANSFER MOVEMENT
“Assessing character and fit is crucial in today’s recruiting landscape. I told our team during a recent meeting that this environment of potential player movement creates uncertainty and can lead to self-doubt, especially when outside schools are reaching out. Therefore, mental makeup is likely more important now than ever.”
ON AIDAN CHILES’ POST-RUTGERS COMMENTS ABOUT SOME PLAYERS IN THE LOCKER ROOM HAVING THE WRONG ATTITUDES
“His comments came right after a tough loss and the end of a challenging season. He has high standards and is competitive, so there’s some truth to his desire for improvement. I’m confident we can rectify these issues next year. He acknowledges his role, too, and has been a leader in his position. We had strong leadership previously and have a lot of potential for retaining those qualities going forward.”
ON CALIFORNIA OL DREW NICHOLS
“Drew’s mobility and athleticism really stood out to me. We identified him early in the process. He has family connections to the area, which helped build our relationship. He comes from a championship-caliber program in Southern California and is a great kid who loves football.”
ON THE VALUE OF RECRUITING TO THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE
“Being in the Big Ten Conference is a tremendous advantage, as it allows us to compete at the highest level. The conference’s 18 teams are incredibly competitive, and the quality of players, coaches, and fan support is impressive. We emphasize that at Michigan State, we can compete at the highest level right here in the Big Ten.”
ON WHETHER HE WAS CONCERNED BY THE SMALL CROWD AT THE RUTGERS GAME
“Yes, we want to draw more people to our games and build excitement around our program. I understand the circumstances—a Thanksgiving weekend and cold weather—but I wasn’t panicking. I see it as motivation. Looking around at the crowd, I appreciate everyone who stayed until the end, and I’m eager for the day when this place is full again as we strive for our 11th or 12th win.”
ON WHETHER CAL THRUSH WILL PLAY AS AN INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
“I believe he has the potential to grow into that role. We’ll make a final decision when he arrives, but given his athleticism, grit, and physicality, he might be able to play multiple positions—some time inside and some time outside along the line—allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield.”
ON WHAT HE APPRECIATES ABOUT THRUSH
“Primarily, it’s his mindset. When you watch his tape, you see how physical he is and how hard he competes. We really value that, along with his physical attributes, including his size and strength.”
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