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MSU Makes Firm Decision to Maintain West Coast Pipeline

Umito November 3, 2024

J Serra Catholic quarterback Ryan Hopkins was a Michigan State offer in September.

The Spartans were Hopkins’ first offer. The 2026 quarterback has quickly gained attention within the recruiting class and now holds offers from Washington, Wisconsin and Missouri. These are very good programs, especially for a quarterback to receive offers.

This shows how quickly things can change for a rookie with just one offer. The Spartans were the first offer and opened the door to other schools – the recruiting world is very small and we often see programs refer others to talent. Everyone has an eye on everyone.

The Spartans weren’t afraid to be the first to pull the trigger on a rookie. These staff build connections and pipelines and trust their instincts as talent evaluators. That could pay off for the Spartans with the 6-foot-3, 190-pound quarterback.

He spoke to Allen Trieu of the Detroit News (and 247Sports) about his relationship with the Green and White, and all indications are positive.

“Michigan State was the first school to offer me, and I’m really lucky,” Hopkins said. said. “It means so much to me and it’s a great place. I’ve visited Michigan State before. I got to tour the school and it’s definitely a place I see myself.”

The Spartans are no strangers to California quarterbacks either. Aidan Chiles, Ryland Jessee and 2025 commit Leo Hannan are all from the Golden State. California produces top talent year after year. It is one of the preferred destinations for recruiters.

Quantity and quality are desirable.

According to Trieu, Blair Angulo of 247Sports is a big fan of what Hopkins has to offer.

“Hopkins is an electric runner with track experience, displaying incredible top speed for a quarterback,” Angulo said. “This is his first season starting and he is doing very well in the vaunted Trinity League, showing good anticipation and distributing the football to keep defenses guessing when he is coming back to throw. He is more advanced as a running back right now than as a passer, but Hopkins has some really intriguing tools that should make him one of the fastest quarterbacks in the 2026 class.”

Hopkins is a three-star who could end up getting a fourth because of his immense traits and excellent performance in 2024. The Spartans found a gem — and they were the first to find it.

Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting editor, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.

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