Top-35 senior Ethan Taylor announced his commitment to Michigan State on Friday, likely vaulting the Spartans into the top three of the 2026 recruiting class rankings.

Tom Izzo’s program hosted Taylor for a visit in early October, gaining control of the momentum in the big man’s recruitment.

“When I was looking for a school, Michigan State checked all my boxes,” Taylor said. “The fanbase is amazing and I can feel the immense amounts of love from them; they treated me like I was a part of the team on my visit.”

“I was on my visit for Michigan State Madness and the Izzone was insane,” he added. “The fans were chanting my name, and it was surreal.”

Taylor’s relationship with Izzo was the deciding factor for Taylor, who chose the Spartans over Kansas, Oregon, Indiana, Oklahoma and others.

“Coach Izzo is incredibly passionate, and he really cares about his team and treats the players like his family,” he said. “He’ll push you to be the best you can be while holding you accountable but also loving on you. The culture he’s created where all the former players come back and workout with the team for ‘Grind Week’ is cool. It says a lot about him as a coach and the staff. The players welcomed me with open arms. The program has been so successful including Final Fours and a national championship.”

Michigan State entered the early signing period with the No. 6 class in the country, consisting of SC Next 100 prospects Jasiah Jervis (No. 50), Julius Avent (No. 70) and Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 89). With Taylor now in the fold – and as the class’ highest-ranked commitment – Michigan State likely rises into the top three of the class rankings.

The No. 3 center in the 2026 class and the No. 32 prospect overall, Taylor has steadily improved over the course of the last year. He’s coming off a summer in which he averaged 9.4 points and 8.8 rebounds for MoKan Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, shooting better than 69% from the field.

Taylor runs the floor with effort and coordination, rebounds with consistency and will block shots and protect the basket with his size, frame and alertness. With his back to the basket, he looks to make and maintain contact with defenders to duck in or drop-step his way to finishing. Either in the open floor or off a teammate’s penetration, Taylor is a lob threat with steady hands and a powerful vertical leap.

He should help replace Michigan State’s outgoing frontcourt players in 2026-27, as starting bigs Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper are both seniors.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid on his trail, while a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is being considered by Tottenham. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs in Europe keeping close tabs on the situation of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri are yet to make progress on a potential contract renewal for the 25-year-old as they are unwilling to continue his current €12m-per-season deal, but would be open to signing him to an extension on a reduced salary. Less than two months remain before Vlahovic will enter the final six months of his contract, when he will be allowed to discuss a pre-contract agreement with teams from outside of the Serie A.

– A move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is being considered by Tottenham Hotspur. Football Insider reports that Spurs have identified the 24-year-old as an alternative to Everton‘s Iliman Ndiaye, as they continue to look for options to strengthen their right flank. It is reported that Kubo, who has scored one goal in 10 LaLiga games this season and has previously been linked with Liverpool, could be signed by activating a €60 million release clause in his contract.

– Manchester United are planning to make two marquee midfield signings in the upcoming transfer windows, according to The Mirror. Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, is reported to be the No. 1 name on their short list, and he is expected to be available for a transfer fee of less than £100 million. The Red Devils also remain keen on 21-year-old Brighton star Carlos Baleba, though the Seagulls would demand a fee worth at least £100 million.

– Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United are leading the race to sign Olympiakos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis, according to Nicolo Schira. The trio of Premier League sides are all reported to be interested in the 18-year-old, who is also on the radar of Napoli. Mouzakitis has been capped seven times by Greece at senior international level, and it is reported that an offer worth €30 million would be required to persuade his side to let him go.

– Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is set to explore a move away from the club, reports TEAMtalk. It is reported that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Man United could be offered the chance to land the 29-year-old due to a release clause in his contract, but whether the Red Devils enter the race would hinge on how much they feel such an addition would impact the playing time of Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Nicolo Schira says that a club in Saudi Arabia is “ready” to make a three-year contract offer to Guirassy worth €20m per year.

EXPERT TAKE

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OTHER RUMORS

– Chelsea are considering a late swoop to secure a loan move for Real Madrid striker Endrick, who is close to joining Lyon. (Cadena Ser)

– Real Madrid and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown. (Bild)

– Santos forward Neymar could consider a move away from the club in January when he is set to become a free agent. (Fabrizio Romano)

– There will only be a move from Barcelona for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane if they do not renew the contract of 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. (Sport)

– Both Sunderland and Brentford have enquired regarding a potential move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez. (Calciomercato)

– Arsenal are in the race for Feyenoord midfielder Quentin Timber, who is the twin brother of Gunners defender Jurrien. (Caught Offside)

– An agreement over a new three-year contract is close to being reached by AC Milan and center back Fikayo Tomori. (Nicolo Schira)

– Internazionale are interested in a €10 million deal for Genoa wing back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 21, who arrived in the Serie A from Arsenal in 2024. Inter also remain in the race for Norton-Cuffy’s teammate in midfielder Morten Frendrup. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bring Fulham winger Adama Traore to the London Stadium. (Football Insider)

– Al Ahli have no plans to part ways with striker Ivan Toney in January. (Goal)

– Bayern Munich are planning to offer attacking midfielder Lennart Karl a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Crystal Palace and West Ham are among the teams interested in Bayern Munich right back Sacha Boey. (Ekrem Konur)

– Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza. (Football Insider)