The Michigan State football class of 2026 is pretty much wrapped up going into the fall.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Jonathan Smith goes after a couple late risers during their senior campaigns or if a good season on the field leads to a blue-chip prospect's interest. Plus, teams that have uncertainty at the head coaching position before signing day tend to get their commitment list poached.
But the meat and potatoes of the class is completed with 22 commits including three four-stars on the 247Sports composite.
Even though this class isn’t full of elite prospects and is more of a developmental class, there is still plenty of overlooked talent making its way to East Lansing next fall. Let’s take a look at three of the most underrated players committed to Michigan State who are poised for big senior seasons.
3. Braylon Hodge, 3-star LB
Braylon Hodge is a 6-foot-3, 212-pound linebacker from Englewood, Colo. This is not an area Michigan State typically recruits, so I'm sure linebackers coach Joe Rossi had something he loved about Hodge.
Hodge currently sits as a three-star ranked 778th in the 247Sports composite. He had 11 offers, including blue-collar defensive powerhouses like Iowa, Utah, and Minnesota.
In the run game, Hodge can set the edge and doesn't give up on plays, making high effort tackles. He wraps up ball-carriers well, has good short-area quickness, and has shown he has the tools to rush the passer. He could add more strength as a tackler, which should come with time working with the strength staff.
This is the type of underrated get that down the road fans will look back on and think how did Hodge only have 11 offers? I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a ratings bump this fall.
2. Jeremiah Favorite, 3-star CB
Next, is a Boiling Springs, S.C., product Jeremiah Favorite. Michigan State beat out Indiana, Oklahoma State, and Wake Forest for Favorite.
At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Favorite isn't the biggest cornerback out there, but he makes up for it with tremendous athleticism. He flashes great short-area quickness, the ability to return kicks, and, my personal favorite, he makes high effort plays. Multiple times on Favorite's tape, you see him chasing down a ball-carrier from across the gridiron.
Another thing that stands out is Favorite's hands. He's consistently making circus catches, whether it's diving for interceptions or snagging passes out of the air.
Favorite's versitality is also on display, pressing in man coverage and also making high IQ plays as a zone defender.
Right now, Favorite's ranked as a three-star and No. 1,332 in the 247Sports composite. I think Favorite is extremely underrated and could be in for a huge senior year.
1. Quinn Buckey, 3-star OL
Finally, Quinn Buckey from Bakersfield, Calif., looks like a future stud. His size is apparent at 6-foot-6, 270 pounds and he comes from a long bloodline of elite football players, as his dad Jeff played offensive line in the NFL for four years and his brothers Grant and Zach currently play at the Power Four level.
Michigan State had some solid competition for the West Coast product, as Buckey also took official visits to Cal, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Vandy, and Arizona.
A thing I love about Buckey is that he is comfortable using his athleticism and blocking defenders in space. His high school runs screens where he gets downfield and makes blocks in the open field. He moves well being the puller on counter runs. In pass protection, he looks comfortable kicking out and stays balanced. He is also extremely physical, finishing blocks which offensive line coaches love.
Jim Michalczik is a highly regarded offensive line coach, and he may have found a diamond in the rough in Buckey. Right now, he's rated 778th in the composite which could be much higher by signing day.