The Michigan State Spartans have taken a proactive step into their 2026 recruiting class, extending an early scholarship offer to a relatively unknown but fast-rising power forward out of Boston — Elijah Moore, a 6-foot-8 three-star prospect who’s quietly been turning heads on the East Coast AAU circuit.
While Moore isn’t a household name just yet, he’s been making enough noise to catch the attention of Tom Izzo’s staff — known for identifying high-upside talent before they blow up nationally. Moore plays for Boston Elite and attends Brookline High School, where he averaged 15.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game as a sophomore. His combination of length, defensive instincts, and developing offensive skill set has made him one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in the Northeast.
A source close to the Spartans’ program described Moore as “versatile, coachable, and hungry,” three qualities Izzo has long valued in his recruits. Moore is a late bloomer physically — he shot up nearly four inches between his freshman and sophomore years — and his frame is starting to fill out, giving him the size to bang in the paint and the mobility to defend multiple positions.
Michigan State’s offer, extended earlier this week, marks Moore’s first from a Big Ten program and the most high-profile to date. He also holds offers from UMass, Rhode Island, and Boston College, with interest picking up from programs like UConn and Syracuse. According to several scouts, it’s only a matter of time before more power conference teams jump in.
“Elijah’s a grinder,” said Boston Elite head coach Marcus Daniels. “He shows up early, stays late, and he’s never satisfied. When schools like Michigan State take notice, it just validates the work he’s putting in.”
Though Moore hasn’t yet taken any official visits, he’s expected to make a trip to East Lansing later this summer. The Spartans, who’ve had recent success developing frontcourt players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman, could be positioning themselves as a serious contender if they continue to build the relationship.
Recruiting experts say this is a classic Izzo move: finding a player before his recruiting stock skyrockets. With the Spartans expected to lose several upperclassmen by 2026, Moore could fit well into the system as a versatile four — someone who defends hard, rebounds aggressively, and keeps the offense moving without needing plays drawn up for him.
For now, Moore is focused on getting stronger, refining his perimeter shot, and helping his AAU squad make a deep run in the summer tournament circuit. But the Michigan State offer changes things — putting him firmly on the national radar and raising the stakes for the schools hoping to land him.
“This is just the beginning,” Moore told reporters after a recent game. “I’m honored Michigan State believes in me. But I’m still working like nobody knows my name.”
