In a twist that’s got Spartan fans buzzing, Michigan State football is positioned to possibly snag a legacy recruit who could greatly impact their future lineup. Linebacker standout, Adam Shaw, has recently stepped away from his commitment to Rutgers and is heading to East Lansing for a pivotal official visit.
Adam Shaw is not just any recruit. He’s the son of Michigan State legend, Scott Shaw, an offensive tackle who was a first-team All-American and instrumental in a ground game that consistently hit 1,800 yards over three seasons under the legendary guidance of coach Nick Saban. Scott Shaw went on to be drafted by the Miami Dolphins and played for the Cincinnati Bengals, cementing a successful football career.
Adam initially committed to Rutgers on June 1, but with an official visit on the horizon, Michigan State is now a strong contender for his talents. While at Pascack Valley High School in New Jersey, Shaw has made quite a name for himself, currently ranked as the No. 21 recruit in New Jersey’s class of 2026 and the No. 86 linebacker nationally per 247Sports Composite rankings. But he’s not just a defensive dynamo; Shaw is also adept at quarterback, racking up 1,341 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, alongside 1,021 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
Michigan State is his sole scheduled official visit remaining, a visit that could be decisive. Locking in Shaw would be a monumental gain for a program that’s seen high-profile legacy recruits, like Gregory Patrick and Kory Amachree, slip through their fingers.
Under the direction of Jonathan Smith, the Spartans have faced challenges in recruiting. Leveraging the legacy connection with Shaw could be a game-changer. Impressively, the Spartans have recently secured commitments from six class of 2026 recruits following visits, proving their ability to resonate with prospects during campus visits.
This weekend’s visit might just maintain that trend. Shaw’s recent step back from Rutgers suggests a strong interest in what Michigan State has to offer. The Spartans are looking to leave a lasting impression, a critical move in securing a prized legacy recruit in Adam Shaw.
