Ethan Taylor Commits to Michigan State, Elevates 2026 Class Ranking

Top-35 senior prospect Ethan Taylor announced his commitment to Michigan State University on Friday, significantly enhancing the Spartans’ standing in the 2026 recruiting class rankings. With this announcement, Michigan State is poised to jump into the top three nationally for the upcoming class. Taylor’s visit to the university in early October played a pivotal role in shaping his decision.

During his visit, Taylor experienced the vibrant atmosphere of Michigan State’s fanbase. “When I was looking for a school, Michigan State checked all my boxes,” he stated. “The fanbase is amazing and I can feel the immense amounts of love from them; they treated me like I was a part of the team on my visit.” The impact of the visit was particularly felt during Michigan State Madness, where Taylor noted the enthusiastic support of the fans. “The Izzone was insane. The fans were chanting my name, and it was surreal,” he added.

Taylor’s relationship with head coach Tom Izzo proved crucial in his decision to join the Spartans. He chose Michigan State over offers from prestigious programs including Kansas, Oregon, Indiana, and Oklahoma. “Coach Izzo is incredibly passionate, and he really cares about his team and treats the players like his family,” Taylor explained. “He’ll push you to be the best you can be while holding you accountable but also loving on you.”

The culture cultivated by Izzo, particularly the tradition of former players returning for ‘Grind Week’, further solidified Taylor’s choice. He appreciated the welcoming atmosphere from both the coaching staff and current players, which he felt was indicative of the program’s success, including multiple Final Four appearances and a national championship.

As Michigan State entered the early signing period, they boasted the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the country. This class included notable prospects such as Jasiah Jervis (No. 50), Julius Avent (No. 70), and Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 89). With Taylor’s commitment as the highest-ranked player in the class, Michigan State is set to enhance its recruiting efforts significantly.

Taylor, ranked as the No. 3 center in the 2026 class and the No. 32 prospect overall, has shown remarkable improvement over the past year. He recently averaged 9.4 points and 8.8 rebounds during the summer with MoKan Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, demonstrating his efficiency with a shooting percentage exceeding 69% from the field.

Known for his exceptional athleticism, Taylor runs the floor effectively and is a consistent rebounder. He possesses the ability to block shots and protect the basket, thanks to his size and agility. In the post, he strategically engages with defenders, utilizing duck-ins and drop-steps to score. Whether in transition or off a teammate’s drive, he presents a lob threat with reliable hands and a powerful vertical jump.

Taylor’s addition to the Spartans is timely, as the team anticipates the departure of senior frontcourt players Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper in the 2026-27 season. His commitment not only strengthens Michigan State’s roster for the upcoming years but also underscores the program’s continuing success in securing top-tier talent.