2025 RB Jace Clarizio Flips Commitment from Michigan State to Alabama
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the college football recruiting world, 2025 running back Jace Clarizio has announced his decision to flip his commitment from Michigan State to the University of Alabama. The announcement, made earlier today, marks a major victory for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide while dealing a significant blow to Michigan State’s recruiting class.
Jace Clarizio, a 6’0″, 200-pound running back out of Illinois, has been a standout performer throughout his high school career. Known for his explosive speed, sharp vision, and ability to break tackles, Clarizio is ranked among the top running backs in the 2025 class. Scouts have praised his versatility, noting his ability to contribute not only as a runner but also as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Initially, Clarizio committed to Michigan State earlier this year, citing strong relationships with the coaching staff and a belief in the program’s future under then-head coach Jonathan Smith. His commitment was seen as a major win for the Spartans, who are working to rebuild their national presence following several challenging seasons.
Alabama, however, has been relentless in its pursuit of elite talent, and Clarizio’s commitment is a testament to the program’s recruiting prowess. While the specifics of his decision to flip remain private, multiple factors likely contributed to the change.
First, Alabama’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber running backs is unmatched. With recent alumni like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris thriving at the professional level, the Crimson Tide offer a proven track record of turning high school stars into household names. Clarizio likely saw the opportunity to follow in their footsteps as too good to pass up.
Additionally, the chance to compete for national championships year in and year out is another selling point for Alabama. The program’s dominance under Nick Saban has been a magnet for top-tier talent, and Clarizio’s decision reinforces the Crimson Tide’s ability to consistently attract elite recruits.
For Michigan State, this decommitment is a tough pill to swallow. Clarizio was one of the crown jewels of their 2025 recruiting class, and losing him to a powerhouse like Alabama highlights the uphill battle the Spartans face in competing with college football’s elite programs.
The Spartans’ staff will now need to regroup and refocus their efforts on retaining other top commitments while exploring alternative options at running back. This development also underscores the challenges of navigating the modern recruiting landscape, where NIL deals, program prestige, and the allure of immediate success can heavily influence prospects.
Jace Clarizio’s future now looks brighter than ever as he prepares to join a program that has long been synonymous with excellence. At Alabama, he will face stiff competition for playing time, but his talent and work ethic suggest he will rise to the challenge. If he continues to develop at his current trajectory, Clarizio could become a key piece in Alabama’s quest for continued dominance.
For fans of college football, this commitment flip is yet another reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable recruiting can be. As Jace Clarizio dons the crimson and white, all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa to see how this promising young star carves out his legacy.