Michigan State has landed its first commitment in the 2028 recruiting class, with Warren De La Salle quarterback Grayson Thurston announcing his decision Saturday while on an unofficial visit to East Lansing.
Thurston has built close bonds with MSU head coach Pat Fitzgerald, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and quarterbacks coach John McNulty.
“I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play for MSU as an in-state kid,” Thurston told Spartans Illustrated. “The direction that Coach Fitz is taking this team and the development I’m gonna receive from him, Coach Sheridan and Coach McNulty really is what made me want to commit.”
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Thurston is a three-star prospect ranked No. 47 among quarterbacks, and No. 14 overall in Michigan, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
Thurston also held scholarship offers from Minnesota, Iowa, Cincinnati, and several other programs. He visited those three schools earlier this fall before making his decision to join the Spartans today.
The commitment gives head coach Pat Fitzgerald an early addition to his 2028 recruiting class while keeping one of Michigan's top young quarterbacks in-state.
Thurston received his Michigan State offer on June 16 following a performance at the program's summer camp. He subsequently returned to East Lansing for the Spartans' games against Nebraska and Illinois before making his third fall visit Saturday for the Washington game.
The De La Salle standout completed 163 of 259 passes (62.9%) for 2,009 yards and 17 touchdowns during the 2025 season, according to MaxPreps. He added 247 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
His sophomore performance earned him Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 3 Region 4 all-region recognition, along with all-county second-team honors and De La Salle's offensive player of the year award.
Thurston has closely followed Fitzgerald's first season at Michigan State, including the Spartans' 15-6 victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor last weekend.
With Thurston's commitment, Michigan State has secured an early quarterback prospect for the 2028 class as Fitzgerald and his staff continue their recruiting efforts.
