Sitting at 3-2 in the 2025 season, with losses to Dylan Raiola and Jayden Maiava’s offenses, the Spartans have been dealt another setback. Head coach Jonathan Smith now faces a recruiting blow, as Class of 2026 four-star linebacker Braylon Hodge has decommitted from the program.

Now, he is focusing on three powerhouses: Oregon, Texas, and in-state rival Michigan Wolverines. He will drop by Eugene to witness the week 7 clash against Indiana, with a future visit scheduled to Baton Rouge. “It’s kind of just where I feel it when I’m out there,” Hodge said per Rivals. “My top three right now they’re all good programs. No matter where I go, I’m going to be developed. I’m going to have a good college experience, so honestly, it’s just where I feel like I fit myself best.”

Listing out his priorities, he has two non-negotiables: getting developed and having a great college experience. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Texas, Michigan, and Oregon might check off his laundry list. Hayes Fawcett took to X to share the news. “It’s a heavy loss for Spartans’ recruiting efforts, for the Cherry Creek product (Colorado), a No. 17th LB in the 2026 class, was the third highest rated commit at Michigan State‘s next recruiting cycle.” He wrote.

It’s a heavy loss for Spartans’ recruiting efforts, for the Cherry Creek product (Colorado), a No. 17th LB in the 2026 class, was the third highest rated commit at Michigan State‘s next recruiting cycle.

Ever since his senior year debut game, he has shone. Against Regis Jesuit, he helped his team to a 45-10 victory. Initially a 3-star prospect, his stock multiplied following the fall high school season. “Appreciate the update,” he wrote on X, following a significant bump in his rating. “I’ve pushed myself all offseason, lifting, conditioning, and film,” Hodge said before ahead of his 2025 season opener, per SI. “Mentally, I’ve locked in on being a leader and staying focused. This is my last season in high school, so I just want to be the best I can be. I’m also making sure I stay healthy so I can help lead the team the right way.”

The Wolverines already welcomed him at Michigan. “I had a great time out there. It was good to get some more in-depth information and things about Michigan. Because, obviously, they’re a top program and they’re going to have the best of everything,” Hodge told Rivals’ Greg Smith after the visit to Ann Arbor. Initially, he was scheduled to drop in for an official visit to Missouri, but that will no longer take place, as per insider reports.

Did NIL nudge Braylon Hodge towards decommitment?

The 6’3, 210-pound LB initially gave his pledge to the Spartans back in June. But once it was announced he would be taking visits to the Big 10 programs, Michigan State knew they might be losing their commit. The Spartans Wire bluntly laid out its disappointment. “While being early can sometimes help a program, in this case, Hodge got on the radar of some other big programs, especially in the Big Ten.”

Spartans Wire added, “And in the modern day of NIL, was probably offered some huge increases in his pay to commit.” Hodge was supposed to drop by East Lancing for an official visit on October 25. It remains to be seen if that visit materialises in the near future. He isn’t a lone player who took back his pledge, but Class of 2026  WR Tyren Wortham also decommitted.

Presently, Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class has 20 commitments, featuring three elite players. Four-star offensive tackle Collin Campbell and four-star EDGE Samson Gash. Presently, Smith’s 2026 class is left with a lone linebacker in Adam Shaw from Pascack Valley High School, New Jersey.