While 12 other Big Ten teams took the field on Saturday, Jonathan Smith and Michigan State football were taking advantage of the bye week, doing some 2027 class recruiting.
The Spartans got a week off after losing on the road to No. 25 USC, and right before a road battle with Nebraska. It feels like the perfect time for a bye, coming right after a loss and right before a huge road battle. An extra week to prepare for a tough, but winnable, battle will help this team.
Michigan State coaches were reaching out to recruits with that extra time off, and the staff offered an intriguing 2027 "athlete" recruit from Illinois.
On Saturday night, Courtney Hawkins extended an offer to three-star athlete Justin Johnson.
After meeting with @CoachHawk_5 and having a great conversation I am truly blessed to have received an offer from @MSU_Football @MilesOsei @Brent89959563 @WildkitsFB @PrepRedzoneIL @AllenTrieu @Rivals @BOOMfootball @DeepDishFB@247recruiting @SidelinePreps pic.twitter.com/WK0pYWuiqK
— Justin Johnson (@Justink_johnson) September 28, 2025
The Illinois-based athlete is ranked the No. 351 overall recruit in the 2027 class. He's the No. 18 athlete and Illinois' 11th-best prospect.
Johnson has been gaining some steam lately, receiving four offers in the past month. He was most recently offered by Illinois on Sept. 25, just two days before Michigan State offered. Toledo and Western Michigan also offered in the past month.
Michigan State is likely offering him as a receiver considering Hawkins was the coach who reached out and told him the good news. And if Hawkins wants him, he's likely a hidden gem. The Spartans got in early here, so they might just have a shot at stealing him from the home-state Illini.
Having an elite receiving corps led by Omari Kelly and Nick Marsh should help Michigan State's chances with Johnson.