Kalen DeBoer's Alabama flips elite running back from Michigan State in the Class of 2025

Three-star running back Jace Clarizio flipped his commitment from Michigan State to Alabama on Tuesday. The 2025 class prospect had been committed to the Spartans since May but changed course after an official visit to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide’s 52-7 victory over Mercer on Nov. 16.

“All the people and coaches I met and interacted with were all great people,” Clarizio told On3 following the trip. “The atmosphere was crazy.”

Speculation about a potential flip began to intensify after Clarizio’s comments during his visit, and he also hinted at reconsidering his options.

"I'm still committed and plan on signing, but this visit has me thinking hard on what I plan to do," Clarizio told Bama247. "The visit definitely gave me something to think about. I had a great time and met a lot of great people."

By late November, the recruiting tide had shifted in Alabama’s favor, as Bama247 and 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Tom Loy submitted Crystal Ball predictions favoring the Crimson Tide to land Clarizio. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gave Alabama a 97.9% chance to flip the talented running back.

Clarizio also fueled the discussion by wearing Alabama gloves during his East Lansing High School playoff game on Saturday.

Clarizio’s decision deals a blow to Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class, which now ranks No. 55 nationally. The Spartans are left with 15 commitments, including only one running back, three-star Zion Gist.

Gist flipped his commitment from Western Michigan to Michigan State on Monday and will now bear the brunt of expectations in the backfield for the Spartans’ future.

What does Jace Clarizio bring to Alabama?

Alabama assistant coach Robert Gillespie was the primary recruiter of Jace Clarizio and offensive line coach Chris Kaplilovic played a big role as well. Kapilovic’s relationship with Clarizio dates back to his tenure at Michigan State, where he served as the Spartans’ offensive line coach from 2020 to 2023.

According to Tide Illustrated, Clarizio excels at identifying tight spaces and making defenders miss, making him an ideal fit for Alabama’s dynamic offense. He is ranked by On3 as the nation's No. 33 running back in the 2025 class and the No. 6 recruit in Michigan.

With Clarizio’s pledge, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class now boasts 22 commitments, securing the No. 2 spot nationally and in the Southeastern Conference. He joins Akylin Dear as the second running back in the class.