East Lansing, MI — In a massive recruiting win that’s turning heads across the college football landscape, Michigan State has landed a commitment from 2026 four-star cornerback KJ Deriso, a top prospect out of Georgia, following a high-impact official visit this past weekend.
Deriso, widely regarded as one of the most athletic and instinctive defensive backs in the South, chose the Spartans over a host of SEC powerhouses, including Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. His decision is a statement-making moment for head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff as they aggressively rebuild MSU’s national presence on the recruiting trail.
Sources close to the recruitment say that Deriso’s visit to East Lansing “blew him away,” with the Spartans rolling out the red carpet through immersive campus tours, intimate player bonding sessions, and a visionary pitch about his role in the future of Michigan State’s secondary.
> “It just felt like home,” Deriso said in a brief statement. “The energy, the vision, and the love they showed me—it was different. I believe in what they’re building.”
This commitment marks a crucial early domino in MSU’s 2026 class, signaling that the Spartans are not just back—they’re boldly challenging recruiting strongholds and setting a new tone in the Big Ten.
Deriso’s blend of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a potential Day 1 contributor and a future leader in the Spartans’ defense. His film showcases elite closing speed, fluid hips, and the kind of ball-hawking instinct that coaches drool over.
Expect this to send ripples throughout the national recruiting scene. Michigan State just walked into Georgia’s backyard—and walked out with one of their finest.
