Jonathan Smith’s Strategic Moves Shape Michigan State’s Football Future
In the dynamic world of college football recruiting, Michigan State is experiencing a surge, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Jonathan Smith. While not necessarily securing a plethora of four and five-star prospects, Smith’s influence is evident in retaining key members of the 2024 class, persuading some to stay away from the transfer portal, and successfully bringing talent from his previous coaching stint at Oregon State.
Smith, a former quarterback himself, brings a keen understanding of the position to his coaching role. In response to offseason departures, he has already made significant additions to the quarterback roster, addressing the void left by Katin Houser, Sam Leavitt, and Noah Kim.
Looking ahead to the 2025 recruiting class, Smith has set his sights on a standout prospect, four-star quarterback Ryan Montgomery from Findlay, Ohio. Despite initial skepticism about Michigan State’s chances, Smith’s strategic moves are making an impact.
According to Allen Trieu’s VIP report on 247Sports, Montgomery, previously considering teams like Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State, is now being courted by Smith. Ranked as the No. 172 overall recruit and the 11th-best quarterback in the 2025 class, Montgomery possesses the ideal frame for the Big Ten at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds.
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The tweet from Allen Trieu highlights the evolving recruitment landscape for Montgomery, suggesting that Smith’s presence at Michigan State has elevated the program’s appeal. The ongoing success in quarterback recruitment includes additions like Aidan Chiles, Alessio Milivojevic, and Ryland Jessee from both the transfer portal and the 2024 high school class.
If Smith manages to secure Montgomery’s commitment in the 2025 class, it would be a significant boost for Michigan State’s quarterback room. The strategic prowess of Jonathan Smith is once again on display, showcasing his ability to navigate the competitive world of college football recruiting.
As the recruiting trail heats up, Michigan State football under Jonathan Smith’s leadership appears poised for a promising future, with each strategic move shaping the team’s trajectory in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
