The 2027 quarterback class just got a little smaller, as Eli Stumpf announced his commitment to Michigan State after a visit to East Lansing.
Stumpf is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound quarterback from Sunbury, Ohio, where he plays for Big Walnut High School.
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He is currently rated as a 3-star prospect with an overall grade of 87. Stumpf ranks as the No. 42 quarterback in the 2027 class and No. 28 overall in the state of Ohio. His composite score of 0.8650 ranks him 852nd nationally, the 52nd-ranked quarterback and the 34th-ranked recruit in Ohio.
Stumpf made his announcement on social media saying:
“COMMITTED!! I am extremely grateful to my family, friends and coaches who have helped guide me through this process! I can’t thank @coachfitz51, Coach Sheridan, Coach McNulty and the rest of the @MSU_Football staff enough for their investment in me. Go green!”
Michigan State has clearly made Stumpf a priority in this cycle, sending key members of the offensive staff to lead its recruitment. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and quarterbacks coach John McNulty played a major role in securing that commitment.
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On the field, Stumpf had an impressive junior season at Big Walnut. He completed 143 of 207 passes, a 69.1% completion rate, while throwing for 2,436 yards and 31 touchdowns.
His skills jump off the screen. Stumpf has an active arm, capable of throwing the ball over 40 yards downfield with a flick of the wrist. His footwork and mobility are equally impressive, showing the kind of escaping ability you’d expect from a seasoned veteran rather than a high school quarterback. Even when forced out of the pocket, he maintains his composure by flipping his hips, resetting his base, and making precise throws into tight windows while running. Sometimes it feels more like a video game than real life.
Stumpf brings the combination of arm talent, footwork and football IQ needed to succeed at the next level. Although his arrival in East Lansing is still a few years away, he projects as a player who could eventually compete for the starting job in Michigan State’s quarterback room.
Currently, the Spartans’ quarterback situation features a mix of youth and experience. Redshirt sophomore Alessio Milivojevic is expected to play the lead role, while sixth-year transfer Cam Fancher provides veteran depth. Behind them are redshirt freshman Leo Hannan and true freshman Kayd Coffman. This group will be developed under the direction of quarterbacks coach John McNulty and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan.
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Milivojevic is eligible through 2028 and, despite outside doubts, is showing flashes of being a potential player for Michigan State. Hannan also entered the program with multiple offers, signaling the type of competition that should elevate the entire room. Watching this group develop and compete over the coming years will be one of the most intriguing storylines in East Lansing.
Michigan State extended its offer to Stumpf on Feb. 22, and it didn’t take long for him to feel at home. This quick turnaround speaks volumes about the vision of the program and the impression left by the coaching staff.
Beyond football, Stumpf is a multi-sport athlete who also excels on the basketball court. As a junior, he scored 32 points in one game to help Big Walnut advance to the district finals, demonstrating his overall athleticism and competitive drive.
Stumpf becomes the third commit in Michigan State’s 2027 recruiting class, joining:
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Running back Savior Owens (Massillon Washington, Ohio)
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Interior offensive lineman Grant Adloff (East Grand Rapids, Michigan)
With these early additions, the Spartans are quietly building a solid foundation for the future. Sustained success in college football starts in the trenches, and Michigan State clearly prioritizes that. But just as important is finding a quarterback who can play and lead an offense — and with Stumpf, the Spartans may have found just that.
