Jace Clarizio Flips Commitment Back to Michigan State After Brief Stint with Alabama
In the ever-fluid world of college football recruiting, flips and surprises are nothing new — and the latest chapter involves one of the Midwest’s most promising running backs. Jace Clarizio, a standout back from Michigan, has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Alabama back to Michigan State University, reigniting excitement in East Lansing.
Clarizio, who initially pledged to the Spartans earlier in the recruiting cycle, shocked many when he briefly committed to Alabama in February. The move raised eyebrows, as Clarizio had been a vocal supporter of Michigan State’s vision under head coach Jonathan Smith. The allure of playing for Nick Saban’s storied program — even amid a coaching transition — was understandable. Alabama remains a perennial powerhouse with a track record of producing NFL-caliber running backs, and Clarizio, with his explosive play style, fit the mold.
However, recruiting is rarely final until the ink is dry on signing day. After spending time in Tuscaloosa and weighing his options, Clarizio made the announcement via social media that he was decommitting from Alabama and reaffirming his original commitment to Michigan State.
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to stay home and represent my state,” Clarizio wrote. “Michigan State has always felt like family, and I believe in what Coach Smith is building. I’m 100% committed to the Spartans.”
Clarizio’s decision is a major win for Michigan State. The 6-foot, 200-pound back is widely considered one of the top RBs in the Midwest and a consensus four-star recruit. He rushed for over 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior, showcasing vision, speed, and the kind of physicality that can translate immediately to the college level.
For the Spartans, this flip is more than just a recruiting victory — it’s a symbolic one. Clarizio represents the kind of homegrown talent Michigan State needs to retain in order to compete with the Big Ten’s elite. Holding off Alabama, even temporarily, speaks volumes about the strength of the relationships built between Clarizio and the MSU coaching staff.
Coach Jonathan Smith and running backs coach Keith Bhonapha have made Clarizio a top priority throughout the process, staying in constant contact even after his initial decommitment. That persistence clearly paid off.
“It shows that Coach Smith’s vision is resonating,” one MSU insider said. “Getting a guy like Jace back on board is the kind of momentum-changer we needed.”
Clarizio’s return also boosts Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class, which is now shaping up as one of the strongest in recent years. With a talented offensive line class already in the mix, Clarizio’s presence could help stabilize a run game that’s struggled for consistency since the departure of Kenneth Walker III.
In the end, it appears home truly is where the heart is. For Jace Clarizio, that means donning the green and white — not the crimson and white — when he steps onto the field next fall. Spartan fans can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to watching one of the Midwest’s brightest stars stay true to his roots.
