Michigan State’s football program is riding high on recruiting momentum as it coordinates a crucial official visit with one of Michigan’s top in‑state tight end prospects, Jack Janda of Detroit Catholic Central. The Spartans are clearly intensifying their efforts to bolster the 2026 class, particularly at the tight end position, and that push is coming at precisely the right time.
Jack Janda, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound three-star tight end, ranks No. 11 in the state and No. 42 nationally at his position per 247Sports Composite rankings . After transferring to Detroit Catholic Central, Janda earned attention for his athletic frame and receiving ability, shining at the 2025 Polynesian Bowl National Combine as one of the event’s “Top Performers” . His official visit to East Lansing on June 20 marks a pivotal moment for MSU, offering the Spartans a last shot to impress before he makes his college decision.
MSU has already made significant moves behind the scenes. The Spartans have secured tight end commitments from Eddie Whiting (Sioux Falls, SD) and Joey Caudill (Mansfield, OH), both three-star recruits. Additionally, transfer tight end Kai Rios from Indiana State recently joined the roster and will contribute for two seasons . With Jack Velling nearing the end of his eligibility, MSU is actively constructing long-term depth at tight end—and landing Janda would further solidify that strategy.
Janda, however, remains open-minded in the recruiting process. He’s already made official visits to Wisconsin (May 30), Stanford (June 6), and Illinois (June 13), and MSU serves as his final scheduled visit . That positioning gives Michigan State a unique opportunity: as the final stop on Janda’s tour, the Spartans have the last word and must build the strongest possible case—on and off the field.
The Spartans’ June 20 official visit isn’t just about Janda. It takes place during a critical weekend for MSU recruiting, as the program also hosts prospects like safety Bradley Brown, cornerback Devonte Anderson, wide receiver Xavier Stinson, linebacker Ezaya Tokio, and athletic prospect Samson Gash from Detroit Catholic Central . This concentrated weekend spotlight demonstrates Spartan football’s sustained energy and strategic coordination, aimed at one goal: strengthening their 2026 class.
Spending the weekend at Spartan Stadium and connecting with the coaching staff are vital elements of Janda’s visit. Coach Brian Wozniak, who oversees tight ends, has already done solid work with Whiting, Caudill, and incoming Jayden Savoury—who enrolled early in 2025 . Adding Janda would elevate that room’s talent level and continuity, while giving incoming quarterbacks multiple reliable weapons.
Yet this effort comes with a caveat. Michigan State faced a setback with Janda just weeks earlier when he reportedly committed to Wisconsin on June 4 . But that commitment hasn’t closed the door–he remains scheduled to visit MSU, suggesting the Spartans see a chance to re-open the conversation. With his recruitment still fluid, MSU’s challenge is clear: capitalize during that June 20 visit to pivot Janda’s trajectory back toward East Lansing.
Landing Janda would bring several key benefits:
1. Depth at tight end – MSU would begin 2026 with a trio of three-star tight ends, a significant boost given the departure of veteran Jack Velling.
2. In‑state momentum – Securing a top Michigan talent boosts local recruiting credibility and energizes both fans and future prospects.
3. Offensive versatility – Janda’s mix of size, athleticism, and receiving prowess aligns well with MSU’s evolving offensive schemes under Jonathan Smith.
As recruiting momentum builds, Michigan State’s staff is executing a tightly orchestrated plan: host key prospects, maximize weekend visits, and close strong in-state targets. Jack Janda’s visit on June 20 isn’t just another stop—it may be the linchpin in shaping Spartan football’s tight end room for years.
With proven commits, active pursuit, and Janda’s visit on deck, MSU is positioning itself as a compelling home for one of Michigan’s top tight ends. Now comes the real test: translating aggressive recruiting momentum into tangible commitments—and Jack Janda may be the recruit who caps it all off.
