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Michigan State signs 2026 three-star Jacksonville (Fla.) Impact Christian S Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy

On3 imageby: Jason Killop10 hours agoKillopOn3

Michigan State signed 2026 three-star safety Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, of Jacksonville (Fla.) Impact Christian Academy, on Wednesday.

Caldwell-Hardy (6-1, 190) committed to Michigan State after an official visit to campus in early June. He held additional offers from UCLA and Tulane, among others, at the time of his Spartan pledge.

Michigan State freshman defensive back George Mullins hosted Caldwell-Hardy during his visit. Caldwell-Hardy shared a special moment with his family while on campus, which he still thinks about to this day.

“When I told Coach (Jonathan) Smith that I wanted to commit, you know how moms are sensitive, so she’s tearing up,” Caldwell-Hardy said. “I don’t know if she cried, but I know my dad did. It was just joy. My mom was just excited. I’m her first son to commit to a college. Making it to college and bringing her on official visits and stuff like that really brought some excitement to her.”

Caldwell-Hardy is the No. 1,221 recruit in the 2026 class, per the Rivals Industry Rankings. He’s also the No. 114 safety and No. 140 player from Florida in his class.

SCOUTING REPORT

The 6-foot-1 safety has a long frame to go with good speed and an aggressive style of play. He’s a multi-sport athlete, as he ran a 12.15-second 100-meter dash as a junior. He also participates in the high jump and long jump events during track season.

Caldwell-Hardy has lined up at defensive back, wide receiver, running back, kick returner and punt returner for Impact Christian Academy. He tallied 74 tackles (seven for a loss), two sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior this fall, according to MaxPreps. He also logged 918 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns on the ground, plus 733 yards receiving and seven touchdowns through the air.

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