Michigan State football target David Schwerzel talks about interest

Four-star edge rusher David Schwerzel will be a top priority for head coach Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State Spartans in the class of 2026. Schwerzel, from O’Dea High School in Washington, is the No. 24 edge rusher of the class and the No. 284th-ranked player nationally.

Scwherzel already has offers from top programs – Michigan, Washington, UCLA, Miami and Penn State, to name a few.

The first time Schwerzel visited Michigan State was on a tour of the Big Ten schools that he did with his coach, Tracy Ford of Ford Sports Performance. He told me it was a “great experience” and that it was great to meet the coaches and see the facilities and stadium.

“My first real conversation with Michigan State was when I was there,” Schwerzel said. “That was the first time I got to talk to Coach Legi (Suiaunoa) and the whole coaching staff. When I was there, it was great, they were very welcoming and they were great at supporting me. They gave me a lot of knowledge on how to be a better player and how to develop and improve in the next few years of high school. They courted me hard, I’m definitely very interested in them. Coach Legi is a great coach and definitely a great guy.”

Schwerzel is one of the top players the Spartans are targeting for 2026. Brandon Huffman, national recruiting editor for 247Sports, compared Schwerzel to Ohio State’s TJ Tuimoloau.

“(Schwerzel) just missed the top 100 for the 2026 class. But he’s all but assured of a top 247 in the spring, and with his size, quickness and strength, he’ll easily be one of the most highly sought-after players in the area in his class,” Huffman wrote. “Schwerzel plays with his hands on the ground and can line up as an end or a three-tech. If necessary, he can drop into coverage and cover a tight end or back, using his size and athleticism to run. But his future will be getting to the quarterback, and he shows some natural movement and a quick first step that allows him to get around his blockers with relative ease.”

Schwerzel told me that education will be a big part of his mind as he looks at schools. He said it’s important for after football. Given his skills, one wonders if “after football” will be after his NFL career.

Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting reporter and covers all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive coverage of the Spartans recruiting.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook Spartan Nation IF YOU CLICK HEREand become part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White IF YOU CLICK HERE.