Michigan State Spartans Bolster Roster with the Signing of Two Highly-Touted Recruits Ahead of the 2025 Season, Aiming to Strengthen Championship Aspirations…read more…

Michigan State Spartans Bolster Roster with the Signing of Two Highly-Touted Recruits Ahead of the 2025 Season, Aiming to Strengthen Championship Aspirations…read more…

EAST LANSING, Mich. — With expectations rising for a breakthrough season in 2025, Michigan State University has taken a significant step forward by officially announcing the addition of two highly-touted recruits to its athletic roster. The Spartans’ latest signings are seen as pivotal reinforcements for a program looking to re-establish its dominance in both the Big Ten and national spotlight.

Head Coach Jonathan Smith and Athletic Director Alan Haller confirmed on Monday that the Spartans have secured commitments from 4-star linebacker Malik Jefferson from Chicago, Illinois, and explosive point guard Jaylen Matthews out of Atlanta, Georgia. Both young athletes were heavily recruited and bring elite skill sets that could provide immediate impact in their respective sports.

Gridiron Gains

Malik Jefferson, standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 225 pounds, has been one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the Midwest. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and hard-hitting style, Jefferson recorded 110 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 interceptions in his senior year at Lincoln High School. His ability to read offenses and disrupt plays has drawn comparisons to former Spartan great Greg Jones.

“Malik is a relentless competitor with high football IQ,” Coach Smith said during the announcement. “He’s not only a difference-maker on the field, but a true leader off it. His presence will raise the standard in our linebacker room immediately.”

Jefferson expressed his excitement about joining the Spartans, noting, “Michigan State felt like home from the first visit. I want to help bring a Big Ten title back to East Lansing and be a part of something special.”

Court Talent on the Rise

On the basketball side, Jaylen Matthews is a 6’3” lightning-quick point guard known for his ability to break down defenses, shoot from deep, and push the tempo. A top-50 national recruit, Matthews averaged 22.5 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals per game in his final season at Westlake High School and was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year.

Head Coach Tom Izzo welcomed the signing with enthusiasm, stating, “Jaylen is the kind of player who can change the pace of a game and energize the entire team. He’s got the instincts, maturity, and work ethic we value at Michigan State.”

Matthews is expected to play a key role in MSU’s backcourt next season, especially after the graduation of veteran guards and increased competition in the Big Ten. “Coach Izzo’s legacy, the fans, the culture—it all drew me in,” said Matthews. “I’m ready to work, learn, and win.”

Strategic Outlook

Both signings come at a crucial time for Michigan State, with the football program entering its second year under Smith and the basketball team reloading after major roster turnover. The recruits also signal MSU’s ongoing commitment to recruiting top-tier talent and rebuilding into a perennial contender.

As the 2025 season approaches, Spartan fans have renewed reasons for optimism. With the addition of Jefferson and Matthews, Michigan State is not just reloading—it’s reasserting itself as a force to be reckoned with.