
Five-Star Elite Running Back Jace Clarizio Chooses Michigan State Over Penn State, WVU, and Georgia
The Michigan State Spartans football program has landed a game-changing commitment from five-star running back Jace Clarizio, one of the most electrifying recruits in the 2025 class. The highly touted prospect announced his decision after narrowing his choices down to Penn State, West Virginia, and Georgia, ultimately choosing the Spartans as his future home.
Clarizio, a 6-foot, 205-pound powerhouse, has been a dominant force on the field throughout his high school career. Known for his elite speed, vision, and versatility, he has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in college football. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through the gaps, and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a true dual-threat weapon for Michigan State’s offense.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff played a crucial role in securing Clarizio’s commitment. The Spartans have been aggressively recruiting top-tier talent to revamp their program, and landing a player of Clarizio’s caliber is a massive victory. The coaching staff emphasized their plans to feature him as a key playmaker in their offensive scheme, which played a significant role in his decision.
“I felt like Michigan State was the best place for me to develop as a player and as a person,” Clarizio said during his announcement. “The coaching staff believes in me, and I believe in what they’re building. I’m excited to be a part of something special.”
His decision comes as a major blow to programs like Penn State and Georgia, both of which have a history of producing elite running backs. Georgia, in particular, was seen as a strong contender due to its success in developing NFL-caliber backs. However, Clarizio’s connection with the Michigan State coaching staff and their vision for his future ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Spartans.
Clarizio’s commitment further strengthens Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in recent program history. His presence in the backfield is expected to have an immediate impact, potentially transforming the Spartans’ offense into one of the most explosive in the Big Ten.
With his commitment secured, Michigan State fans can look forward to watching one of the nation’s top running backs suit up in green and white, ready to make a significant impact on the college football stage.