Ethan Taylor Commits to Michigan State: What the 7-1 center brings to Tom Izzo’s Spartans

Tom Izzo lands his fourth commitment in the 2026 cycle as four-star Ethan Taylor pledges to Michigan State. The 7-foot-1 center ultimately chose the Spartans over a final group that also included Indiana, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Kansas. Taylor joins Rivals four-stars SG Jasiah Jervis, PG CJ Medlock, and Julius Avent in this class.

Let’s discuss what Michigan State is getting with four-star center Ethan Taylor.

Who is Ethan Taylor?

Ethan Taylor is a 7-foot-1, 230-pound center who transferred to play his senior season at Branson (MO) Link Academy. He is Rivals’ No. 21 overall player and No. 4-ranked center in the 2026 Rivals150. Rivals is a little bit ahead of the industry with Taylor as he is No. 24 overall in the Industry Ranking.

Taylor played with the MoKan Elite program on Nike’s EYBL Circuit this summer. He averaged 9.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 69.2 percent from the field.

“On the offensive side I’ve skyrocketed,” Taylor told Rivals. “I went from having to get dump-offs, having to catch lobs, to being able to create my own advantages in a post, spin-off, shoot, hook. I just added so much to my game on the offensive side. And on the defensive side I think I’ve become more tenacious.”

What are the Spartans getting in Taylor

Watching Ethan Taylor, the first thing you notice is the sheer size he brings to the table. He is very bit of his 7-foot-1 listing, with long arms and a projectable frame. Taylor should be able to continue adding good weight as he gets into a college strength and conditioning program without losing his fluidity.

For a player his size, Taylor is a fluid mover. He can still be a bit heavy-footed at times and is going to have to stay on top of his conditioning, but when he is fresh he switches ends cleanly and he is able to open and drop in the half court. Taylor gets off the floor well and is able to rebound and dunk in traffic.

Taylor plays within himself on the offensive end. Remaining in the dunker spot or diving with purpose to the front of the rim. He has good hands with the ball is above his chest and is become more confident (and patient) in receiving the ball with his back to the basket and getting over his left shoulder.

Patience has been a big thing for Taylor’s development over the last few months. His passing has become an intriguing piece to his game, having the feel of the defense and getting open looks for teammates as the defense collapses.

Taylor has intriguing long-term upside with his game. And he is on a pretty quick upslope when it comes to production. It will be interesting how quickly he becomes ready to contribute, because he possesses some real tools with long-term upside.

In his words

Ethan Taylor on Michigan State (via Spartan Mag):

I don’t think I’ve heard from a head coach as much as I’ve heard from Coach Izzo, so I think that speaks volumes,” Taylor said. “It shows a lot of interest and want, and I really appreciate that.

“Not only would he text me, but he would call me. He’s built a relationship with my mom and my dad, and that’s been important to me as well.”

Taylor on his visit (via Spartan Mag):

“It was definitely crazy,” Taylor said. “I had a great time out there. Midnight Madness was amazing. The atmosphere was really fun to be around. Watching the guys have a dunk contest, the scrimmage, even the women’s team. And then going to the campout and experiencing that, that was top 10. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced something like that night.”

Taylor on his deciding factors:

”I want to play in a winning program, and for good coaches in a good environment where I feel wanted and loved,” Taylor said. “A school that values bigs, kind of a school that will play through me, almost. Where I can make decisions on the short roll. Do dribble handoffs. Where I just feel like I’m being used more in the offense, too.”