ESPN 🆕 | Nation’s No. 1 2025 Recruit Tylis Jordan Commits to Michigan State Over Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Kansas in Blockbuster Decision
By Marcus Eldridge – National College Basketball Writer | June 23, 2025
In a move that has immediately reshaped the 2025 recruiting landscape, Tylis Jordan, the 6-foot-9, five-star power forward widely regarded as the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2025, has officially committed to Michigan State University, choosing the Spartans over blue-blood offers from Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
The announcement came Friday evening during a nationally televised segment on ESPN2, where Jordan, flanked by his parents and high school coach, unzipped his warmup jacket to reveal a green and white “SPARTANS” shirt, sending shockwaves through the college hoops world.
> “This is more than a basketball decision. It’s about family, development, and trust,” Jordan said. “Coach Izzo has built something special. I want to be a part of that legacy.”
Jordan, a dominant two-way force out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL), averaged 24.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks in his junior season while leading his team to a national top-5 finish. He’s known for his rare blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ. At 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan, he has the tools of a modern NBA forward—equally dangerous in the post, transition, or knocking down threes with confidence.
Recruiting insiders had long seen Kansas and Tennessee as co-favorites, especially after Jordan made high-profile visits to both campuses. Oklahoma surged late with a compelling NIL pitch, reportedly offering a package exceeding $1.2 million annually. But in the end, Jordan cited Michigan State’s player development, winning culture, and Coach Tom Izzo’s legendary reputation as the deciding factors.
> “Tylis is a generational player,” said ESPN Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi. “He defends multiple positions, plays with purpose, and has an NBA-ready body. But it’s his mentality that separates him—he’s a winner.”
With Jordan now in the fold, Michigan State’s 2025 class jumps to No. 1 nationally, joining commitments from top-50 guard Javon Mitchell and sharpshooter Elias Carter. The addition of Jordan could elevate the Spartans to early Final Four favorites for the 2025–26 season, especially if current stars like Elijah Mbawe return.
Tom Izzo, in his 31st season, called Jordan’s commitment “a cornerstone moment.”
> “We’ve coached All-Americans. We’ve coached pros. But Tylis brings something special,” Izzo said. “He’s not just a high-level talent—he’s a high-level person. That’s the Spartan way.”
Jordan, who has already been compared to a young Chris Bosh with shades of Jaren Jackson Jr., will enter East Lansing next summer as the most heralded recruit in the program’s modern era.
The college basketball world is already buzzing. The Spartans just landed their future—and his name is Tylis Jordan.
