Jonathan Smith
In a fierce recruiting battle, Michigan State is aggressively working to flip Bobby Kanka, a top defensive end prospect currently committed to the Michigan Wolverines. Kanka ranks as the No. 4 player in Michigan for the class of 2025, according to 247 Sports composite rankings.
Kanka recently visited Michigan State, where he reported a positive atmosphere and felt a strong connection with the Spartans’ program. “He felt a great vibe” during his time on campus, which has significantly bolstered Michigan State’s chances. Under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans are making a compelling case for Kanka to reconsider his commitment and head to East Lansing.
Kanka’s football journey has been marked by impressive achievements. As a 6-foot-4, 255-pound prospect, he was a two-way varsity starter during his freshman and sophomore years at Pinckney. After transferring to Howell for his junior season, Kanka continued to excel, recording eight sacks and nine tackles for loss in just 5½ games, despite missing part of the season due to injury and transfer rules. This track record highlights his significant potential and value as a recruit.
Kanka’s recruiting saga includes a scheduled official visit to Tennessee for the weekend of June 21. However, Michigan’s coaching staff, eager to solidify their relationship with him, persuaded him to visit Ann Arbor that weekend instead. Despite the pull from Michigan, Kanka chose to keep his official visit to Michigan State and has already been on campus for an unofficial visit in the spring with his teammates. This demonstrates his continued interest in the Spartans and their efforts to secure his commitment.
Head coach Jonathan Smith is positioning Michigan State as a stable and promising destination for Kanka. The Spartans are leveraging their recent visit and ongoing efforts to highlight the program’s potential under Smith’s guidance. This approach contrasts with the current turbulence at Michigan, where Kanka is expected to visit this weekend in a critical effort by the Wolverines to reaffirm their commitment.
As the recruiting dead period approaches, Kanka’s visit to Michigan this weekend is pivotal. The Wolverines are under pressure to reestablish their relationship with him and provide assurances about the program’s direction under new defensive line coach Lou Esposito. Despite the recent coaching shakeup, Michigan remains determined to retain their prized recruit.
Michigan State’s recent moves and the uncertainty at Michigan have set the stage for a high-stakes battle for Kanka’s commitment. Both programs are putting forth their best efforts to sway him, with Michigan State emphasizing their stability and future potential under Coach Jonathan Smith.
