Michigan State loses 2025 RB commit Jace Clarizio to Alabama
Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class took a big blow on Tuesday, as running back Jace Clarizio announced his intentions to decommit from the Spartans and flip to Alabama.
Clarizio had been a key member of the Spartans’ 2025 class since May. The East Lansing native made numerous visits to campus over the last calendar year.
The decommitment stings a bit extra for Michigan State because Clarizio is a Spartan legacy. His father, Craig Johnson, played for the Spartans from 1985-88.
Despite Clarizio’s connections to the Spartan program, Michigan State could not overcome the late push from Alabama, which began with an offer earlier this month. Clarizio took an official visit to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 16, amid his busy playoff run with East Lansing High School.
Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie and offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic – formerly of Mel Tucker’s staff at Michigan State – led the charge for the Crimson Tide.
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Clarizio has had a standout senior season, drawing the attention of many programs. Alabama was the only school he seriously considered, however. With his senior season now in the review, Clarizio took a few days to consider his options. Sources tell SpartanMag that Clarizio made his way to campus over the past few days to let the staff know his plans in person.
Clarizio is the No. 466 overall recruit in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings. Clarizio is also the No. 35 running back and the No. 7 recruit from Michigan in his class.
With just nine days left until early signing day, it’s unlikely that Michigan State will make a major push for another high school back. The Spartans received a commitment from Frankfort (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East running back Zion Gist on Monday. Gist took an official visit over the weekend and into Monday.
