Three-Star Running Back Puts Michigan State Football in His Top Four Ahead of His Commitment

Jamal Rule, a three-star running back from Charlotte Christian High School, became a late interest of the Spartans. Quickly, they set up an official visit with the rising senior to get him on campus during the last weekend of the OV season.

Rule is the No. 776 overall recruit, No. 47 running back, and No. 33 student-athlete out of North Carolina.

Though he was not on Michigan State's radar to begin with, the Spartans still made it into Rule's top four. Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Nebraska are the other teams head coach Jonathan Smith is up against. 

In Nov. 2024, Nebraska extended an offer to the running back and continued to prioritize Rule since. Syracuse and Virginia Tech were also early to give him an offer. Still though, Rule did not rule the Spartans out despite being late to join the party with their June 9 offer.

He teased on X that his commitment date is approaching soon, though he does not have an official date set for his announcement. 

It's important for Smith to land Rule as the current class of 2026 recruits lacks a running back. This should be a priority for the Spartans, and if they aren't Rule's choice, it will force them to scramble for another recruit. However, three-star running backs won't be available forever.