Michael Clayton, Michigan State University’s new football player, talks about the Spartans

Quarterback Michael Clayton of Seminole High School in Florida is considered a top target for 2026. He has 26 offers, including from top programs such as Auburn, Miami, Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and the Michigan State Spartans.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound playmaker is the 31st-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2026 and No. 359 overall, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

In On3’s industry rankings, Clayton is rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 19 quarterback in his class, a top-300 player.

Clayton was offered by the Spartans in June. Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith has a deep quarterback roster for the future with Aidan Chiles, Alessio Milivojevic and Ryland Jesse, but it’s clear he wants more depth. And potential.

Clayton said it was his coach who met with Spartans defensive backs coach Blue Adams at a mega camp hosted by USF.

“We scheduled a visit for the next week, drove there (to East Lansing), were really excited and got an offer,” Clayton told me.

Clayton said Michigan State is one of his top schools.

“I really love their offense. Very professional, correlated with the NFL, and that’s what I look for in an offense, so it ticked all the boxes for me,” Clayton said. “I love the coaches, I love the vibe they had at the walkthroughs, I love the starting quarterback (Chiles) and how he can express himself, express his personality. And be free. I can definitely see myself there, for sure.”

Clayton described the coaching staff and culture as “very laid back” and “relaxed,” something he noticed during his unofficial visit.

“Definitely urgent,” Clayton said. “You know, there were run-throughs, so it wasn’t quite like a rehearsal, but you could definitely feel the family atmosphere.”

Brian Lindgren, the Spartans’ offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, received high praise from the rising junior, who called him “incredible.”

“He was able to coach the guys and teach them things, he had a lot of new quarterbacks and he was able to explain it to them,” Clayton said. “It was very impressive.”

On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine lists Miami as the favorite for Clayton with a 28.2 percent chance. However, it is far too early to make a decision. Clayton still has the all-important junior season ahead of him and has not yet taken any official visits.

The Spartans have been good recruiters under Smith and still have plenty of time to work with Clayton. Clayton would fit Smith’s quarterback model well – accurate throwing and the mobility to get out of the pocket and make plays. The Spartans have time on their side with the Florida product. It seems like they are already in a good position.

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.

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