Michigan State football is in the running for one of the state's top young talents, with a decision expected soon. Four-star tight end Anthony Cartwright, from Franklin, Michigan, has narrowed his list to five finalists, and the Spartans have made the cut. Joining Michigan State are rivals Michigan, Oregon, Miami (FL), and LSU—a lineup that highlights just how coveted this prospect is.

Cartwright is ranked as the No. 20 tight end nationally and the No. 8 player in Michigan for the 2027 class, according to 247Sports' composite system. With an impressive recruiting rating of 89.33, he also sits at No. 389 overall in the country. Those numbers place him firmly among the elite, and his skill set has drawn attention from nearly 40 schools.

The Spartans have been in this race for a while—they extended an offer to Cartwright back in October 2023, nearly three years ago. That early investment shows how highly they value his potential as a game-changing tight end. For now, Oregon and Miami (FL) have secured official visits, while Michigan State will be working to get on his calendar before his planned commitment date of June 28.

For a program like Michigan State, landing an in-state prospect of this caliber would be a major win. It's not just about his ranking—it's about keeping top talent home and building for the future. With a little over a month until his announcement, the Spartans have a real opportunity to make a lasting impression.