Ohio 3-star DB is first to sign with MSU under Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald has signed his first prospect as the Spartans head coach.

Brayden Thomas of Lakewood, Ohio was the first official prospect in the 2026 class to sign with Michigan State on Wednesday morning. Michigan State football's official social media account announced the signing of Thomas around 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Wednesday is the first day of the early signing period, which over the years has essentially became signing day where most high school prospects sign with schools.

Thomas is a three-star defensive back prospect, with a recruiting rating of 87 on 247Sports. He ranks as the No. 80 safety and No. 45 player from Ohio in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2026 class.

Thomas has been verbally committed to Michigan State since early June.

Thomas committed to Michigan State over offers from nearly 15 schools, according to 247Sports. Some of the other more notable schools to offer Thomas includes Iowa State, James Madison, Miami (OH), Colorado State and Toledo.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Ohio 3-star DB Brayden Thomas signs with Spartans, Pat Fitzgerald