Four-Star Defensive End Plans Official Visit to Michigan State
Michigan State’s coaching staff has been busy coordinating numerous visits, and they’ve just secured another with a highly promising recruit.
Coach Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State staff have been hard at work, balancing spring football activities with visit schedules. Their latest commitment involves a significant official visit.
On Wednesday, four-star edge rusher Carter Gooden from Massachusetts, class of 2026, announced on social media that he will be visiting East Lansing for an official trip on June 2.
In addition to his visit to Michigan State, Gooden plans to visit Rutgers on May 30, Penn State on June 6, and Syracuse on June 13 before concluding his tour with Boston College on June 20.
Gooden is ranked as the No. 1 player in Massachusetts by the 247Sports Composite rankings and is the No. 30 EDGE in the 2026 class. Michigan State has been actively pursuing Gooden, having extended an offer back in October 2024.
Roger Silva of Prep Redzone highlighted Gooden’s standout qualities in his scouting report:
“[Gooden] is an exceptional talent emerging from Tabor Academy, showcasing a remarkable combination of size, speed, and technique that makes him stand out on the field! At 6’5” and 255 pounds, he blends impressive physical attributes with elite skills and a competitive spirit that make him a rising star in high school football.”
Silva continued, “His athleticism, techniques, and determination on the field make him not only an exciting prospect but also a valuable asset for any college program fortunate enough to recruit him. As he continues to develop, the sky’s the limit for this talented athlete.”
Gooden’s talent fits perfectly with the type of player defensive coordinator Joe Rossi is seeking. Securing a commitment from him would be a major victory for Michigan State’s 2026 class, which currently has four commitments.
Coach Smith and his staff have been diligent in identifying talent nationwide, building strong connections, and forging new relationships, all of which have been key priorities for the program.
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