Michigan State has received a verbal commitment from highly-coveted class of 2027 four-star offensive lineman, and top-250 prospect nationally, Caleb Johnson. He is a top priority recruit for the Spartans.
Johnson currently attends Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. He took an official visit to MSU during the weekend of May 29 through May 31. Johnson also took official visits to Indiana — the defending national champion and his in-state program — from May 15 through May 17, and Iowa from June 5 through June 7. He was also expected to take an official visit to Missouri for the current weekend of June 12 through June 14 as well, but he opted not to take that trip.
Johnson also took unofficial visits to East Lansing on Jan. 30 for a junior day and on March 21 to watch Michigan State participate in a spring practice.
Ultimately, the Spartans were able to win out in Johnson’s highly-contested recruitment. His multiple trips to East Lansing and relationships with head coach Pat Fitzgerald, offensive line coach Nick Tabacca, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and assistant offensive line coach Colin Johnson, among others, proved to be pivotal for the Green and White.
“What stood out to me in the visit was the brotherhood between the team in the short amount of time that Coach Fitzgerald has been there,” Johnson told Spartans Illustrated following the official visit. “It really impressed me and is something I would definitely want to be a part of. But also what stood out is their vision for me and their belief in me as a player.”
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Johnson currently ranks as the No. 245 player nationally, No. 11 interior offensive lineman and No. 3 player in the state of Indiana for the 2027 recruiting cycle.
Comparatively, Johnson ranks as the No. 211 prospect overall, No. 17 offensive tackle and No. 2 recruit in Indiana in the Rivals/On3 Industry rankings.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Johnson has positional flexibility along the offensive line, as the four-star prospect can play as a tackle or in the interior as a guard.
In addition to Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri, Johnson earned scholarship offers from Auburn, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Purdue, UCLA, Oregon State and several other programs.
While nothing is final until the Spartans receive Johnson's signature during the early signing period in December (or regular signing period in February), Johnson's verbal commitment to Michigan State is considered by many to be a monumental victory on the recruiting trail as things currently stand.
MSU's 2027 class now sits at 14 total scholarship pledges as of press time. Johnson is the third offensive line prospect to commit to the Spartans, joining three-star offensive tackle Jack Carlson and three-star interior offensive lineman Grant Adloff.
The Spartans also have 2027 commitments from four-star defensive end Ohimai Ozolu, three-star wide receiver Zach Forbish, three-star EDGE Lawrence Kanneh, three-star EDGE/defensive lineman Jack Schuler, three-star cornerback Cordaro Parham, three-star linebacker Henry Sakalas, three-star linebacker Matthew Brady, three-star quarterback Eli Stumpf, three-star safety Ty'ire Clark and three-star running back Savior Owens.
Keep in mind, Michigan State also has a preferred walk-on pledge from 2027 wide receiver Brendan Fitzgerald, who is the son of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
