East Lansing just got a little louder because a talented three-star safety from Ohio decided to switch things up big time. He was originally committed to Iowa State back in February 2025.
However, he decided to flip his pledge to Michigan State on June 2, sending shockwaves through the Big Ten and Big 12 recruiting worlds. Wondering who he is? Well, you guessed it right; he is Brayden Thomas.
Ohio’s Own Finds a Michigan State Home
Thomas surprised many by initially committing to Iowa State early in the cycle — a program known for sneaky good recruiting but maybe not the first choice for Ohio recruits. But Michigan State wasn’t about to let that stand.
After getting an offer from the Spartans on May 14, 2025, Thomas wasted no time checking out the campus. His official visit from May 30 to June 2 gave him the full East Lansing experience — meeting coaches, touring facilities, and getting a feel for the Spartan culture.
The visit clearly hit all the right notes because just days later, Thomas dropped his new commitment: “Spartan Nation I’m home!! Go Green!” It was official — Michigan State landed a big one.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 Safety Brayden Thomas has Flipped his Commitment from Iowa State to Michigan State, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’0 180 S had been Committed to the Cyclones since February
“Spartan nation I’m home!! Go Green🟢”https://t.co/h5uiY8e9j1 pic.twitter.com/kDyv6k2h6R
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 2, 2025
Coming out of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio — a known factory for college football talent — Thomas is an athletic 6’1”, 180-pound safety with a nose for the ball and the skills to back it up.
Ranked around No. 71 nationally at safety and No. 32 in Ohio for the 2026 class, he’s not just any recruit — he’s one with upside and a smart football brain.
His numbers speak for themselves: Thomas is the kind of player who can cover, tackle, and play physically. That versatility is exactly what Michigan State wants as they look to strengthen their defense in the coming years.
Why Might Thomas Have Made the Switch?
A few things clicked for Thomas on that visit:
- Coach James Adams Connection: Adams, the Spartans’ new safeties coach, joined the staff in January 2025 and quickly made an impression. Known for developing DB talent, Adams showed Thomas a clear path to grow and contribute early.
- Rising Spartan Momentum: Michigan State’s recruiting class wasn’t just about Thomas — they also secured linebacker Braylon Hodge on the same visit weekend. That kind of momentum shows recruits the program is on the up.
- Big Ten Exposure: Let’s be real — playing in the Big Ten means bigger games, bigger TV audiences, and bigger NIL opportunities. It’s a huge selling point for any recruit.
Landing a versatile safety like Thomas is a huge boost for the Spartans’ defense, which has been working to build depth and versatility in the secondary. His ability to cover receivers and step up in run support fits perfectly with defensive coordinator Hakeem Adeniji’s aggressive scheme.
Plus, pulling a recruit from a Big 12 program like Iowa State signals Michigan State’s growing recruiting reach and clout. The Spartans are sending a message: they’re serious about competing for talent across the Midwest and beyond.
For Iowa State, losing Thomas stings. He was one of their top defensive back prospects, and now they’re left with just Tyrell Chapman as a defensive back commit for 2026. The Cyclones will have to double down on recruiting DBs in the next few months if they want to keep their secondary solid.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Michigan State’s ability to pull Thomas away from Iowa State also shows how the Big Ten’s growing profile and investment in NIL opportunities are making it a magnet for talent, especially from hotbeds like Ohio. For Spartan fans, this is just the start of a promising 2026 recruiting class.
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