The Michigan State Spartans are 2-0 to start the season, and have also been working to win some contests off of the field.
The Spartans finished the 2024 recruiting cycle with the 31st overall recruiting class and the 12th overall transfer class. With 46 players entering the program this off-season, the Spartans have had a bit of trouble trying to put everything cleanly together right now. However, they hope landing quarterback Ryan Hopkins in the 2026 recruiting class could be a good way to create a plan for the future.
Michigan State Spartans Building a Relationship With 2026 QB Ryan Hopkins
The Michigan State Spartans recently offered a scholarship to their top quarterback target in the 2026 class and now are working to build a close relationship. 2026 quarterback and California native Ryan Hopkins was offered a scholarship by the Spartans staff on September 4th. Hopkins is a dynamic quarterback whose play style could be describe as an improviser or a dual-threat back.
Hopkins has a big, accurate arm for his 6-foot-4-inch frame and can deliver accurate throws while getting hit due to his arm length and quick motion. On the ground, Hopkins is an opportunist and when he sees a lane upfield open, the quarterback is not afraid to run for it. Hopkins recorded a massive rushing touchdown last season that saw the quarterback take off for 80-yards.
Currently, the quarterback holds one offer from the Spartans but noted that the recruiting process has begun to heat up following the offer. Hopkins stated, “Recruiting has been going well and Michigan State is the team that has been showing the most love.” The Spartans are all in on the quarterback currently, and the value he could bring to their offense seems to be the biggest reason why.
What Could Hopkins Offer the Michigan State Football Team?
Currently Michigan State is starting quarterback Aidan Chiles, an Oregon State transfer who sat last season behind DJ Uiagalelei and followed his coach in the portal. Chiles has had some success this season but has also struggled, tossing multiple interceptions early on through two games. The quarterback struggles at times with his accuracy, but shows flashes of what the offense looks like with a dynamic athlete at the position.
Enter Hopkins, and the Spartans would be getting just what they want at the position and perhaps even more. The best comparison for Hopkins at the quarterback position would be former Clemson Tiger Trevor Lawrence. While Hopkins has not had the same prolific high school career, his ability to both take over a game with his arm while confidently running the option is reminiscent of Lawrence in college.
The quarterback has a strong, accurate arm and can deliver strikes down the field even with pressure in his face. Hopkins also has a great set of wheels, and is not afraid to take the ball himself and make a play with his legs. Hopkins does not just use his legs to scramble either, as he also can make exceptional plays while moving outside of the pocket.
Perhaps the best aspect of the play of Hopkins is his ability to dissect where the open play is going to be. The quarterback is not always looking for the home run, and often is able to avoid would-be sacks and turn them into solid gains. Hopkins consistently looks poised and confident even when he has defenders in his face, which allows him to make many plays other recruits cannot.
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