In a move that sent a buzz through the college football world, Michigan State has landed a commitment from a name that carries serious NFL pedigree. Class of 2026 athlete Jalen Harrison,
the son of former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Marvin Harrison, has committed to the Spartans, surprising many analysts who expected him to stay closer to home or follow his father’s path to a more traditional powerhouse.
Jalen, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way standout from Philadelphia, made the announcement via social media late Friday night, thanking his family, coaches, and “the Spartan family for believing in my potential.”
While Jalen doesn’t play the exact same position as his Hall of Fame father — he’s primarily a defensive back with some snaps at wide receiver — the athleticism clearly runs in the family. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, elite footwork, and high football IQ, Jalen has been on recruiting radars for over a year, but Michigan State’s persistence paid off.
“I felt like Michigan State believed in me not just because of my name, but because of my work ethic and what I bring on the field,” Jalen said in an interview with 247Sports. “They’ve shown me love from the start, and I’m ready to make my own name in East Lansing.”
The commitment is a big win for first-year head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff, who have made recruiting nationally a priority. Harrison had offers from Penn State, Notre Dame, Miami, and even Alabama, and many insiders believed the Nittany Lions had the inside track due to proximity and family ties. Instead, the Spartans’ culture, coaching staff, and early playing time opportunities sealed the deal.
“This is more than just a legacy signing,” said Rivals recruiting analyst Chad Simmons. “Jalen’s a legitimate Power Five talent. He’s not just riding on his dad’s name — he’s a technician at corner, and he brings a physical edge that makes him a real asset in today’s game.”
Adding intrigue to the story is the fact that Jalen’s father, Marvin Harrison Sr., starred at Syracuse and went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Indianapolis Colts, winning Super Bowl XLI alongside Peyton Manning. His older brother, Marvin Harrison Jr., is a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick out of Ohio State. So when Jalen chose Michigan State — a program in the midst of a rebuild — it caught many off guard.
But that’s exactly what makes this story compelling. Jalen isn’t looking to follow the script others wrote for him.
“I respect my dad and my brother and everything they’ve accomplished,” he said. “But this is my journey. I want to help build something new at Michigan State. I’m not chasing anyone’s legacy — I’m creating my own.”
With the Spartans working to reestablish their national footprint, landing a prospect like Jalen Harrison sends a clear message: Michigan State is ready to play on the big stage again — and they’re bringing NFL bloodlines with them.
