Michigan State gets commitment from 2027 in-state three-star OT Jack Carlson

Michigan State has started its spring football practices for the 2026 campaign this week, and in addition to the action on the field, MSU's recruiting also enters a new stage, as the Spartans are set to host more than 80 prospects throughout the spring. It did not take head coach Pat Fitzgerald and company long to add to MSU's 2027 class, however, as priority in-state 2027 three-star offensive tackle Jack Carlson committed to the Green and White on Tuesday.

Carlson plans to play under Fitzgerald ("Coach Fitz"), offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, offensive line coach Nick Tabacca, assistant offensive line coach Colin Johnson and the rest of the staff once he arrives at Michigan State in 2027.

"I chose MSU because they’ve made me feel like a priority," Carlson told Spartans Illustrated. "I’ve been met with so much love and support from the whole staff, and it’s made Michigan State feel like home."

The local standout offensive lineman made the roughly 45-minute trek from Brighton, Michigan to East Lansing, Michigan this week to visit MSU on Monday and Tuesday (the first day of spring practices). He also previously visited the school in January, which was his first opportunity to connect with Fitzgerald, Tabacca and the other newly-hired coaches on campus. Carlson received a scholarship re-offer from the Spartans during that Jan. 23 trip.

He was previously offered by the Jonathan Smith staff as well, and Carlson has been a frequent visitor to East Lansing throughout his high school career.

On his most recent trip to Michigan State on Tuesday, Carlson was able to watch Michigan State practice, see how the coaches operate and spend time with the entire staff.

"I was able to meet with a bunch of different staff members: the position coaches, strength coaches, and the nutrition team, as well as the recovery, academic, and player development staffers," Carlson said about the trip. "I was also able to watch practice, as well as see all the facilities."

He will back to campus soon. Carlson has an official visit lined up with the Spartans for the weekend of May 29 through May 31 as well. It is the only official visit he has scheduled.

Carlson's bonds with the coaches played a big factor in his decision to become a Spartan.

"My relationship with the coaches is incredible, and I’m so excited to play for them," Carlson said. "Coach Fitz is an incredible leader, and Coach Tabacca and Coach Johnson are awesome teachers and I will learn a lot from them. Coach Sheridan is another coach that has supported me a lot, and I’m super excited to learn from him.”

Michigan State was not the only school to pursue Carlson. He has earned other scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Northwestern, Iowa State, Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, Liberty, Harvard, Toledo, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Bowling Green and Kent State.

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Carlson ranks as the No. 470 prospect overall, No. 42 offensive tackle and No. 9 recruit in the state of Michigan for the 2027 class. Meanwhile, the Rivals/On3 Industry rankings list Carlson as No. 492 overall, No. 41 at his position and No. 9 in his home state.

The Brighton High School athlete currently measures in a 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds. He projects as an offensive tackle with his height and length, but he also has the experience and versatility to play as a guard if needed. Carlson is an athletic offensive lineman who excels in run blocking and looks forward to punishing defenders. He is also solid in pass protection and continues to work toward improving all facets of his game.

Off of the football field, Carlson has a background as a wrestler. In the classroom, Carlson caries a 4.0 grade point average.

With Carlson's pledge, Michigan State is now up to four commitments in the 2027 class. He joins fellow three-star offensive lineman Grant Adloff, three-star quarterback Eli Stumpf and three-star running back Savior Owens. Stumpf also committed to the Spartans on Tuesday.

Carlson wanted to leave Spartan fans with one final message: "Go Green," he said.