Examining Michigan State’s Defensive Recruiting Under Jonathan Smith….
Since Jonathan Smith took over as Michigan State’s head coach, there has been significant attention on how he and his staff are rebuilding the program, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While Smith’s offensive background is well-documented, his approach to defensive recruiting will play a crucial role in determining the Spartans’ success in the Big Ten.
Early Defensive Recruiting Trends
Smith inherited a Michigan State defense that had shown flashes of competitiveness but lacked depth in key positions. Known for his developmental approach at Oregon State, Smith has emphasized identifying under-the-radar talent while also pursuing high-caliber recruits. His defensive coordinator, Joe Rossi, who followed him from Oregon State, brings a reputation for building aggressive, disciplined units—something that has resonated in early recruiting efforts.
In the 2024 cycle, Smith and his staff focused on bolstering the defensive line and secondary. Three-star defensive linemen like **Miles Hubbard (Ohio)** and **Jaylen Thompson (Tennessee)** were key pickups, providing much-needed size and athleticism upfront. The Spartans also secured commitments from defensive backs **Justin Denson (Connecticut)** and **Ed Woods (Arizona)**, both of whom bring speed and versatility to the secondary.
2025 Class: Building Momentum
The 2025 recruiting class is where Smith’s defensive vision is starting to take shape. Michigan State has already landed several promising defensive prospects, including four-star edge rusher **Jayden Loftin (New Jersey)**, a dynamic pass-rusher with the potential to make an early impact. Additionally, three-star linebacker **Di’Mari Malone (Michigan)** chose to stay in-state, giving the Spartans a hard-hitting, instinctive player in the middle of the defense.
One of the most significant developments has been Smith’s ability to re-establish Michigan State’s presence in the Midwest. While the Spartans have cast a national net, securing talent from traditional recruiting grounds like Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan remains a priority. The staff has also made inroads in the South, targeting defensive backs from Florida and Georgia—a strategy that could pay off in future cycles.
Transfer Portal Contributions
Beyond high school recruiting, Smith has leveraged the transfer portal to quickly upgrade the defense. Former Oregon State cornerback **Jermod McCoy** followed Smith to East Lansing, bringing much-needed experience to the secondary. The Spartans also added **Wayne Matthews III (Old Dominion)**, a linebacker with proven production at the FBS level. These additions indicate a balanced approach between developing young talent and plugging immediate gaps with seasoned players.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite early progress, Michigan State still faces stiff competition from Big Ten rivals like Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State for elite defensive recruits. Smith’s ability to close on top targets—particularly in the trenches—will be critical as the program looks to return to contention.
Overall, Smith’s defensive recruiting strategy reflects patience and precision. While the Spartans may not yet be landing five-star prospects at the rate of some conference foes, the emphasis on development, combined with selective portal additions, suggests a sustainable blueprint. If Smith continues to build momentum, Michigan State’s defense could soon regain its reputation as one of the Big Ten’s most physical units.
As the 2025 cycle progresses, all eyes will be on whether Smith can secure more difference-makers, particularly at linebacker and along the defensive line—areas that will define the Spartans’ ability to compete in an expanded Big Ten.
