MSU football returns East Lansing 2025 RB Jace Clarizio from Alabama

Jonathan Smith and MSU football re-signed East Lansing High School running back Jace Clarizio back to their 2025 recruiting class less than 24 hours before Wednesday’s first National Signing Day.

Clarizio was recruited by Smith and committed to MSU on May 14. He relished the opportunity to play for the school he supported as a child. Months later, on November 6, Clarizio received an offer from the University of Alabama and committed to the Crimson Tide on November 26.

The East Lansing native spoke with Alabama’s position coaches and received an offer and the opportunity to visit Tuscaloosa.

“I left Alabama feeling good, and I had a great feeling about the trip,” Clarizio said.

Within the last two days, Clarizio had concerns, reversed his decision on Wednesday morning and signed with the Spartans.

“I trusted my gut and my heart,” Clarizio said. “And decided at the last minute yesterday that I would return the day before signing day.”

Smith introduced the 2025 signees at a press conference on Wednesday. He said MSU must “continue to compete with Alabama for Clarizio” and believes in its established relationship with the local prospect.

Clarizio was recruited as a three-star player and moved up to a four-star during his senior season at ELHS, but has since been demoted back to a three-star in the 247Sports composite rankings.

The 6-foot, 190-pound back ran for 1,679 yards on 214 carries and scored 28 touchdowns as a senior for the Trojans this season. Ranked as the No. 35 running back nationally and the No. 5 player in the state by 247Sports, Clarizio also received offers from Alabama, Indiana, USC, Wisconsin and Iowa among 17 total offers.

It’s unusual for East Lansing football prospects to play at MSU, and Clarizio being released by a school like Alabama is a good sign for the rebuilding Spartans.