4-star LB Braylon Hodge decommits from Michigan State

Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek four-star linebacker Braylon Hodge has decommitted from Michigan State, he tells Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong.

He was pledged to the Spartans since June 1, but is now back on the board as other programs have pursued the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder this fall.

Hodge is the No. 348 overall prospect and No. 25 LB in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 2 player in Colorado.

Rivals ranks Hodge higher than other recruiting services. The Rivals300 updated in September and tabbed him as the No. 170 recruit, No. 9 LB and top-ranked player in the Centennial State.

Jonathan Smith and MSU swooped in for Hodge this summer, but as his stock has continued to rise, so has the interest of other schools. He’s coming off an official visit to Michigan last weekend and will be in Eugene this weekend for an OV at Oregon. A trip to Texas in the works for next month, too. Missouri was another program in the mix, but Hodge told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett that his focus is now on the Wolverines, Ducks and Longhorns. Colorado also had Hodge on campus this fall.

“I had a great time out there. It was good to get some more in- depth information and things about Michigan. Because, obviously they’re a top program and they’re going to have the best of everything,” Hodge told Rivals’ Greg Smith after the visit to Ann Arbor.

Hodge previously told Smith at the end of September that he was planning to return to East Lansing for an unofficial visit with the Spartans on Oct. 25. It remains to be seen if Michigan State will get him back to campus as it continues to take hits on the recruiting trail. Hodge and four-star wide receiver Tyren Wortham have both decommitted from the Big Ten program this month.

The Michigan State class is now down to 20 commits and features a trio of blue-chippers in four-star quarterback Kayd Coffman, four-star offensive tackle Collin Campbell and four-star receiver Samson Gash. Rivals300 interior offensive lineman Eli Bickel is also in the fold to date.

Hodge is eyeing a final decision after his new official visits.

“It’s kind of just where I feel it when I’m out there,” Hodge said. “My top three right now  they’re all good programs. No matter where I go, I’m going to be developed. I’m going to have a good college experience, so honestly, it’s just where I feel like I fit myself best.”

Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class can be seen here. The Spartans currently check in at No. 39 nationally, per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.