The 2027 quarterback class just got a little smaller, as Eli Stumpf announced his commitment to Michigan State following 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 87 overall rating. Stumpf ranks as the No. 42 quarterback in the 2027 class and the No. 28 overall recruit in the state of Ohio. His composite score of .8650 places him as the No. 852 player nationally, the No. 52 quarterback, and the No. 34 recruit out of Ohio.
Stumpf made his announcement on social media, saying:
“COMMITTED!! I’m extremely thankful for my family, friends, and coaches that have helped guide me in this process! I can’t thank @coachfitz51, Coach Sheridan, Coach McNulty, and the rest of the staff @MSU_Football enough for their investment in me. Go Green!”
Michigan State made Stumpf a clear priority in this cycle, sending key members of the offensive staff to lead his recruitment. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and quarterbacks coach John McNulty played major roles in securing the commitment.
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On the field, Stumpf put together an impressive junior season at Big Walnut. He completed 143 of 207 passes, good for a 69.1% completion rate, while throwing for 2,436 yards and 31 touchdowns.
His skill set jumps off the screen. Stumpf has a live arm, capable of launching the ball 40-plus yards downfield with just a flick of the wrist. His footwork and mobility are equally impressive, showing the kind of escapability you’d expect from a seasoned veteran rather than a high school quarterback. Even when forced out of the pocket, he maintains composure—flipping his hips, resetting his base, and delivering accurate throws into tight windows on the run. At times, it looks 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. While 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 take 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 guidance of quarterbacks coach John McNulty and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan.
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Milivojevic has eligibility through 2028 and, despite outside doubts, shows flashes of being a potential breakout player for Michigan State. Hannan also entered the program with multiple offers, signaling the kind of competition that should elevate the entire room. Watching this group develop and compete over the coming years will be one of the more intriguing storylines in East Lansing.
Michigan State extended its offer to Stumpf on February 22, and it didn’t take long for him to feel at home. That quick turnaround speaks volumes about both the program’s vision and the impression made by the coaching staff.
Beyond football, Stumpf is a multi-sport athlete who excels on the basketball court as well. As a junior, he scored 32 points in a game to help lead Big Walnut to a district finals appearance, showcasing his overall athleticism and competitive drive.
Stumpf becomes the third commitment 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 strong foundation for the future. Sustained success in college football starts in the trenches, and Michigan State is clearly prioritizing that. But just as important is finding a quarterback who can make plays and lead an offense—and in Stumpf, the Spartans may have found exactly that.
