Caudill's commitment kicks off the Spartans' 2026 class. Michigan State had been hitting the class hard since the summer, weening off from the 2025 class and turning its focus to the future. This marks a huge improvement from Coach Jonathan Smith's first full cycle in 2025 when he didn't receive his first commit until April.

Caudill is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound high school quarterback, but his size, athleticism and speed have drawn him attention as an athlete.

Michigan State has the first player in the fold for its next recruiting class. Joey Caudill, a 2026 three-star tight end from Lexington High School in Ohio, announced his commitment to the Spartans via social media on Friday.