In a significant recruiting win, Michigan State University has landed a commitment from one of the top high school basketball players in the country. Standing at a towering 7-feet tall, five-star center Jordan Whitmore from Phoenix, Arizona, has announced his commitment to play for Tom Izzo and the Spartans, giving the program a major boost for its future frontcourt.

 

Whitmore, ranked No. 27 nationally in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services, chose MSU over offers from blue-blood programs including Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, and Kansas. His decision marks one of the most high-profile commitments for the Spartans in recent years, cementing their status as a destination for elite talent.

A Massive Addition to MSU’s Roster

Whitmore’s size alone makes him a standout, but it’s his combination of mobility, defensive instincts, and offensive versatility that truly sets him apart. At 7 feet tall and 235 pounds, he possesses the physicality to dominate in the paint and the agility to defend on the perimeter—traits highly coveted in the modern game.

 

“He’s not just a big body,” one national scout said. “Jordan can run the floor, finish through contact, and has a nice shooting touch out to the mid-range. He’s the kind of two-way big who can anchor a defense and still give you 15+ points a night.”

 

For MSU, a program that has historically been known for its gritty, defensive-minded identity and strong big men—think Draymond Green, Xavier Tillman, and Jaren Jackson Jr.—Whitmore fits the mold perfectly. He’s expected to contribute immediately and potentially start from day one.

 

Why MSU?

In a brief but confident statement posted on social media, Whitmore explained his decision: “I chose Michigan State because of the tradition, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to be part of something special. Coach Izzo believes in me, and I believe in what he’s building.”

 

That belief, no doubt, was cultivated during numerous visits and conversations with the Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, who has been instrumental in building and maintaining MSU’s national reputation. Izzo’s ability to develop players for the NBA, especially versatile forwards and big men, likely played a major role in Whitmore’s decision.

 

“Coach Izzo keeps it real,” Whitmore said during an interview with a local Arizona sports outlet. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and I respect that. He told me exactly what he expects and how I’d fit into the system. That’s the kind of environment I want to be in.”

 

A Boost to the 2025 Recruiting Class

With Whitmore’s commitment, Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class now vaults into the national top 5, according to 247Sports’ latest projections. He joins four-star point guard Trey Mathis from Chicago and versatile wing KJ Lawson from Ohio, both considered high-upside prospects with room to grow.

 

Together, the trio gives the Spartans a balanced recruiting class filled with size, skill, and leadership. And with the possibility of adding one more high-profile name before signing day, MSU could be on track to bring in its best class since the 2016 group that featured Miles Bridges, Cassius Winston, and Josh Langford.

 

National Impact

Recruiting analysts are already calling Whitmore’s commitment a “landmark moment” for MSU in the new NIL era. While Michigan State has remained competitive on the national stage, some critics questioned whether Izzo and his staff could consistently land top-tier recruits in the modern college basketball landscape dominated by NIL deals and high-profile transfers.

 

This commitment answers those questions emphatically.

 

“Michigan State isn’t just surviving in this era—they’re thriving,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “When a five-star big man from Arizona picks MSU over programs like Arizona and Kansas, it says a lot about the brand Tom Izzo has built and continues to strengthen.”

 

The Road Ahead

Whitmore still has one more year of high school ball ahead of him, where he’ll look to lead Sunrise Mountain High School to a state title and continue developing his all-around game. MSU fans will be watching closely, as his senior season is expected to be a breakout campaign on the national circuit.

 

At the same time, Tom Izzo and the Spartans are already envisioning how Whitmore will fit into the 2025-26 roster. With current center Carson Cooper potentially entering his final season and Xavier Booker developing at forward, Whitmore’s arrival could bring an immediate inside-out balance that has defined MSU’s most successful teams.

 

Final Thoughts

Jordan Whitmore’s commitment is more than just a recruiting headline—it’s a statement. Michigan State continues to compete at the highest level, both on the court and on the recruiting trail. For fans in East Lansing, the future looks exceptionally bright.

 

As the Spartans prepare for another deep NCAA Tournament run this upcoming season, they now do so with a 7-foot reason to be even more excited about what lies ahead.