4 Spartans Recruits Provide Intriguing Pat Fitzgerald Perspective
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Pat Fitzgerald has wasted little time integrating his philosophy and style of play into the Michigan State football program. That approach paid dividends with the 2026 recruiting class, where many prospects originally recruited by former head coach Jonathan Smith stayed committed, allowing Fitzgerald to secure 19 signatures.
Now, the Spartans are turning their attention to the 2027 high school class, and early returns have been promising.
Michigan State recently hosted a group of high-level recruits for its annual “Junior Day,” giving prospects a full campus experience that included watching the men’s basketball team dominate Maryland in a 91–48 victory. The energetic atmosphere and interactions with the new coaching staff left a strong impression on many of the visitors.
Among those in attendance were four-star in-state EDGE Myles Smith, Chicago EDGE Brian Demoss, Ohio running back Savior Owens, Illinois linebacker Sean Rice, and Chicago defensive lineman Ohimai Ozolua.
Rivals recruiting analyst Greg Smith caught up with several of the prospects to discuss their experience and their thoughts on Fitzgerald and his staff.
Myles Smith
“This was my first time meeting the new staff in person, and they were welcoming and down to earth,” Smith said. “I had great conversations with everyone, and the basketball game was a good time.”
Brian Demoss
“They gave me the facts — where I would fit in the program,” Demoss said.
“Building relationships with my teammates and coaches, the new staff, player development, and education all stood out. I really enjoyed talking to Coach Fitz at the Michigan State basketball game against Maryland, and listening to Coach Deebo talk about his plans for the defense.”
Savior Owens
“Building relationships with my teammates and coaches, the new staff, player development, and education were big for me,” Owens said. “I really enjoyed talking to Coach Fitz at the Michigan State basketball game against Maryland, and listening to Coach Deebo about his defensive plans.”
Sean Rice
“Everything about their program is new and changing,” Rice said. “I think they’re building a good foundation to have a great stretch of success soon.”
“He wants to get to know me better and recruit me more before they offer, but from the first meeting he had all good things to say. He thought my mom and I were good people, and that I’m a really good football player.”
Ohimai Ozolua
“The visit to Michigan State was great,” Ozolua said. “I got to talk to all of the staff, and they’re all really cool people. I love the environment there.”
“My relationship with Coach Fitz and Coach Deebo is very strong. I spent pretty much the whole day with Coach Deebo, and we’ve gotten very close.”
“I could tell what type of guy he is from the first time I met him, and the same goes for Coach Fitz. I can tell they really care about their players. Michigan State is very high in my recruiting process now because of my strong relationships with the coaches.”
Junior Day appears to have been a major success for Fitzgerald and his staff as they continue building momentum with the 2027 class. The strong connections formed with several key prospects have already begun to pay off, as running back Savior Owens has received a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of Michigan State — which would mark the Spartans’ first commitment in the class.
If early impressions are any indication, Fitzgerald’s vision is resonating with recruits and positioning Michigan State well for future recruiting cycles.
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