Michigan State basketball completed its 2026 recruiting class on Friday, landing five-star center Ethan Taylor and three four-star recruits to claim the No. 1 ranking in the nation. The class, headlined by Taylor and shooting guard Jasiah Jervis, marks head coach Tom Izzo's highest-rated group ever. Izzo praised the additions for their versatility and potential impact.
East Lansing — Michigan State's men's basketball program finalized its 2026 recruiting class during the early signing period, adding four high-profile prospects that propelled the Spartans to the top spot in 247Sports rankings. The group includes five-star center Ethan Taylor, a 7-foot, 244-pound big man from Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, who committed over offers from Kansas, Indiana, Oregon, and Oklahoma. Taylor, ranked second among centers by Rivals and 247Sports, emphasized his work ethic after his announcement on a CBS Sports live feed: "They're going to get a hard worker. I'm going to hit the ground running."
Joining Taylor are four-star shooting guard Jasiah Jervis (6-4, 190 pounds) from Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, New York, ranked 35th nationally and third among shooting guards. Izzo called Jervis the "cherry of that group," comparing him to former Spartan Gary Harris for his two-way play: "He can really shoot the ball, which we need. And, he can really defend the ball. And when you can do those two things, that puts you in a special class."
The class also features four-star point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. (5-11, 165 pounds) from Detroit's Wayne Memorial, ranked eighth among point guards. Izzo likened him to ex-Spartan Kalin Lucas: "C.J. is just a dynamite little point guard that’s got electrifying speed and he can shoot the ball."
Rounding out the group is four-star forward Julius Avent (6-7, 220 pounds) from Oradell Bergen Catholic in New Jersey, the 13th-ranked power forward. Izzo noted his versatility: "Julius is kind of a swing forward. He can play a couple different positions. His dad was a great player at Seton Hall and then a good player in the pros."
This marks Izzo's best-rated class, surpassing previous strong groups like the 2016 edition with Miles Bridges and Cassius Winston. The Spartans, currently ranked 17th, face No. 9 Kentucky next at the Champions Classic.