Title: “SPARTANS STRIKE BIG: MSU Lands 7-Foot Arizona Five-Star, Ranked No. 27 Nationally — A Game-Changer for East Lansing”
EAST LANSING, MI — In what recruiting analysts are calling a monumental coup for Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans, seven-foot five-star center Marcus “Tower” Benton from Chandler, Arizona, has committed to MSU, becoming the highest-rated big man to sign with the program in nearly a decade. Ranked No. 27 nationally in the 2025 class by 247Sports and ESPN, Benton’s decision instantly sends shockwaves through the Big Ten and national recruiting circles.
The Announcement Heard Around the Hardwood
Standing at 7-feet tall with a wingspan nearing 7’6”, Benton made his announcement at a packed gym at Hamilton High School, live-streamed across multiple platforms.
Wearing a black suit with a green-and-white Spartan lapel pin, the towering recruit calmly pulled out a Michigan State cap and smiled as the gym erupted in cheers.
> “Coach Izzo didn’t promise me fame. He promised me war,” Benton said. “And I want to go to war with a coach who builds men—not just highlight reels. I’m ready to be a Spartan.”
The Fit: A Modern Big for a Gritty Program
Benton is far more than just size. A mobile big man with a feathery mid-range jumper, elite timing on shot blocks, and a high basketball IQ, he averaged 19.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game during his junior season. His footwork in the paint and court awareness have drawn comparisons to former MSU great Jaren Jackson Jr., though Benton plays with even more physicality.
“Marcus has the tools to dominate the college game immediately,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “His frame is college-ready, but what separates him is his mindset—he’s already a defensive anchor.”
The Recruit Battle: Beating the Bluebloods
Michigan State’s win wasn’t easy. Benton had offers from Arizona, Kansas, UCLA, and North Carolina. Arizona was long considered the frontrunner, especially with the in-state appeal and early NIL opportunities.
But Izzo’s vision, paired with MSU’s rich tradition of developing frontcourt stars, ultimately sealed the deal. Sources close to the recruitment say Benton visited East Lansing in early June, spent significant time with former MSU centers like Xavier Tillman, and was moved by the culture of accountability and toughness within the program.
What This Means for MSU
With Benton’s commitment, the Spartans now boast a 2025 class ranked No. 3 nationally, and Izzo’s roster for the 2025–26 season shapes up as one of the deepest in recent memory. Benton is expected to slide into a starting role early, especially with senior big man Mady Sissoko graduating.
“Marcus brings us back to what Spartan basketball is all about—tough, physical, disciplined,” Izzo said in a press release. “He’s a centerpiece we can build around, and he understands the responsibility that comes with wearing green and white.”
Spartan Nation Reacts
From East Lansing to Twitter/X, fans and alumni celebrated the commitment like a Final Four victory.
Magic Johnson, MSU’s most famous alum, tweeted:
> “Welcome to the family, Marcus! You’re going to love what we’re building. Go Green! 👊🏾💚”
Mateen Cleaves called him “a straight-up warrior in the making,” while local businesses reportedly started planning NIL endorsements within hours of the commitment.
Final Word
Marcus Benton’s decision to join Michigan State isn’t just about one recruit — it’s a statement. A statement that Tom Izzo, even in the twilight of his legendary career, is far from finished. And with a 7-foot skyscraper now anchoring their future, the Spartans just got a whole lot taller — and a whole lot scarier.
Spartan fans, the next chapter has begun. And it’s massive.
