Jaxson Gates, a four-star cornerback in the 2026 class and current Syracuse commit, took an official visit to Michigan State over the weekend — and it may have added a new layer of intrigue to his recruitment.
The 6-foot-1 defensive back out of Georgia has been firmly committed to the Orange since late last year, but his recent trip to East Lansing is raising eyebrows. Gates, known for his sharp instincts and physical playstyle, had high praise for the Spartans’ program, coaching staff, and overall atmosphere during his visit.
“This visit really opened my eyes,” Gates said. “Coach (Jonathan) Smith and Coach (Joe) Rossi showed me a lot of love and broke down exactly how I’d fit into their defense. It felt genuine — they weren’t just saying what I wanted to hear.”
Gates got an up-close look at Michigan State’s revamped facilities, sat in on team meetings, and spent one-on-one time with position coaches and current players. According to him, the culture stood out more than anything else.
“The energy around the program is different. Everyone’s locked in, from the players to the staff. There’s a brotherhood there,” he added. “It’s definitely something I’m thinking about more now.”
While Gates remains committed to Syracuse, he didn’t shy away from admitting the visit left a strong impression.
“I chose Syracuse because of the relationship I have with the coaches, and that hasn’t changed. But at the same time, I owe it to myself to explore and make sure I’m 100%,” Gates said.
Michigan State has been aggressive in trying to flip top-tier recruits since Coach Smith’s arrival, and Gates could be among their top targets moving forward. With his length, speed, and versatility in both man and zone coverage, he’s a prototype cornerback for the Big Ten.
Recruiting analysts say it’s too early to call it a flip watch, but the Spartans have certainly made it interesting.
“There’s still a long way to go before Signing Day,” Gates said. “I’m keeping all my options open and continuing to build relationships.”
As the summer visit season heats up, Jaxson Gates will be a name to watch — and Michigan State just might have made things a little more complicated.
