Michigan State Spartans tender 2026 defensive lineman JJ Finch

The Michigan State Spartans are feeling good after their first win under Coach Jonathan Smith and his new coaching staff. That energy has clearly been channeled into their confidence on the recruiting trail, as the Spartans have offered up one of the top recruits in the Midwest.

JJ Finch is a 2026 defensive lineman for Warren Central in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the No. 1 prospect in the state and the No. 46 overall defensive lineman in the class according to 247Sports. He has a high three-star rating of 88, which makes him a near four-star prospect.

For reference, 247Sports characterizes an 88 as follows: “Prospects have what (247Sports) is looking for in certain areas, but may lack something in other areas.”

“They, too, are viewed as multi-year starters at the Power Four level and potential difference-makers with NFL potential,” the site said. “For example, he could be an edge rusher with great tape and on-field production but below-average measurables. These are likely individuals with a higher floor. If a prospect has an 88 grade point average, he’s considered a top 600 player in the class.”

Finch is not only an elite prospect, but one who is close to the Spartans’ door. From Day 1, Smith made it clear he wanted to recruit the Midwest and rebuild the pipeline that was largely lost to the Mel Tucker regime. Tucker’s affinity for targeting blue chips in hopes of competing with the SEC proved costly.

As with many things, Smith and his team are cleaning up. That includes re-establishing previous footholds. Exhibit A: The Spartans have 10 Midwest targets in 2025. That’s more than half their class. They’re looking to get the same ratio of Midwest recruits in 2026.

I asked Smith at Big Ten Football Media Days how his staff recruited the Midwest players.

“Trying to go to as many schools as possible, invite them to come to campus,” Smith said. “Watch us practice, talk ball, things like that. I’ve done some camps around the state. When there are such restrictions on the head coach being able to go out, our staff has made an emphasis on getting into a lot of high schools in the Midwest.”

Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.

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