Michigan State offered intriguing EDGE prospect Anthony Charles in January. In this exclusive, he reveals how the Spartans could make big gains in his recruitment.
When a program secures a prospect for an official visit during the summer, it’s a strong indication that the team is a serious contender in that player’s recruitment.
Official visits play a crucial role—they provide recruits with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience, allowing programs to roll out the red carpet and make a lasting impression. However, the challenge lies in securing that visit in the first place. Everything leading up to it is about convincing a recruit to take that next step.
Michigan State extended an offer to 2026 edge rusher Anthony Charles in January. The South Fayette (McDonald, Pennsylvania) prospect is quickly gaining attention, holding offers from Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, and more.
In a conversation with Charles, he emphasized that his upcoming unofficial visit to East Lansing on March 18 will be pivotal in his decision-making process.
“When it comes to spring ball, I just want to see how the players interact with each other and with the coaching staff,” Charles said. “I want to get a feel for the environment during practices and meetings. That will be a deciding factor for me. I already have high expectations—I love the coaching staff and everything they’ve shown me so far, so I think it’ll be a great visit.”
Charles previously visited Michigan State for Junior Day on Jan. 19, the same day he received his offer—directly from head coach Jonathan Smith. That interaction left a strong impression.
“I liked how he emphasized his care for his players and the relationships he builds with them,” Charles said. “He also talked about how I’d fit into the program, which I appreciated. The academic side was another big plus—he explained how they support student-athletes both academically and in life after football. Overall, he seemed like a great person.”
Smith’s direct involvement with Charles during Junior Day signals that Michigan State views him as a priority target in the 2026 class.
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