Michigan State football picks up first On3 prediction in Jonathan Smith era

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith picked up his first recruiting prediction since taking over the job.

Momentum is swinging back in the direction of Michigan State football following over a dozen transfers out of the program this week.

Although losses of Zion Young, Katin Houser, Sam Leavitt, Jaron Glover, Christian Fitzpatrick, Tyrell Henry, Geno VanDeMark, and Ethan Boyd, among others, will hurt, Smith is going to waste no time building this roster.

The transfer portal will be important for that, but Smith even said during his presser that he plans to focus on high school recruiting.

Well, he’s already starting that.

Earlier this week, Nick Marsh reaffirmed his commitment to Michigan State and met with Smith on Friday. And then Michigan State picked up a crystal ball for previously-committed four-star running back Anthony Carrie. He’s also offered some prospects, including former MSU target Dylan Mesman who Mel Tucker lost to Louisville.

But Smith finally received his first On3 prediction of the Smith era. And it’s to land his former Oregon State commit, Wyatt Hook.

The first prediction of the Jonathan Smith era ✅

Hooks tells @KillopOn3 he will visit East Lansing in the next two week

(On3+): https://t.co/YwYdo5KQuj pic.twitter.com/YSObD8vOSG

— SpartanMag.com (@TheSpartanMag) December 1, 2023

This is a great development. Hook is a three-star from Cupertino, Calif., and On3 ranks him as the No. 412 overall prospect in the class. Other recruiting services aren’t as high on him, ranking him in the 1,300 range on the composite.

Hook has been committed to Oregon State since December of last year (today actually marks the one-year anniversary of his commitment). But since Smith left for Michigan State, there’s a growing belief that some of his commits will follow, including Hook.

This would be a good start to the Smith era. Although Hook isn’t the highest-rated prospect, he has good size (6-foot-5.5, 235 pounds) and a familiarity with the new staff. Brian Wozniak could get his first “guy” in Hook. He’s one of the top tight end coaches in the country and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him turn Hook into something special.

Keep an eye on this one as early signing day approaches.