Michigan State is making a decisive push to land Zay'vion Smith, a three‑star recruit from Ohio who has already pledged to Cincinnati but will be on campus this weekend for an official visit.
The Recruiter Behind the Pursuit
The conversation around Smith’s future has taken an unexpected turn, as the Spartans are evaluating him primarily for a defensive line role despite his high school classification as an offensive tackle.
Ranked No. 94 among offensive tackles and No. 42 overall in the 2027 Ohio cohort, Smith brings a blend of size and athleticism that could address Michigan State’s interior line needs.
Coach Winston DeLattiboudere, the program’s defensive line mentor, has been identified as the primary recruiter handling Smith’s outreach, leveraging his relationships with high‑school coaches across the Midwest.
Smith’s commitment to the Bearcats is viewed as tenuous; he has publicly expressed admiration for both Pitt and the Spartans, signaling a recruitment battle that could swing either way.
The upcoming visit will provide the first hands‑on evaluation for Michigan State’s staff, and the outcome may influence not only the 2027 class but also the broader perception of the program’s defensive line development.