Recruit Reactions: Michigan State hosts first group of game-day visitors during 35-7 win over Eastern Michigan
Several 2027 MSU commits and prospects from future classes provide their thoughts on the game-day experience in East Lansing.
After a bit of a slow start in the first half, Michigan State surged in the second-half to defeat Eastern Michigan by a final score of 35-7. The Spartans currently sit at 2-0 on the 2026 season.
It was also the Spartans' first chance to host recruits for a game-day visit in 2026 — the first opportunity under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald and new general manager Bryan Gasser — after not bringing any prospects to campus during the team's season-opening victory over Toledo due to remaining recruiting sanctions stemming from the Mel Tucker era.
Michigan State brought several prospects to East Lansing on Saturday, including a surprise visit from 2027 four-star defensive back athlete/defensive back and Texas Tech commit Gideon Gash, several 2027 commits, and uncommitted prospects throughout the 2027, 2028 and 2029 classes. Spartans Illustrated was able to catch up with several recruits following the visit. Their thoughts on the experience are listed below.
2027 three-star quarterback Eli Stumpf (MSU commit)
Michigan State quarterback commit Eli Stumpf — a three-star prospect out of Big Walnut High School in Sunbury Ohio — returned to East Lansing for his first game-day experience at Spartan Stadium.
Stumpf thoroughly enjoyed his time at MSU and the visit reiterated that he made the right decision.
"It was great to be up for my first MSU game," Stumpf told Spartans Illustrated. "I had a great time and felt right at home."
Stumpf committed to MSU in March following the Spartans' first spring practice. He had additional offers from Toledo, Kent State and Cornell.
He is one of the leaders of the 2027 class.
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