Michigan State Spartans Offer JJ Hanne

The Michigan State Spartans have built a solid 2025 class so far. A strong June brought the Spartans’ commitment count to 14. Two of them are defensive linemen Cal Thrush and Derrick Simmons. Other than that, the Spartans’ defensive line class has been weak as they look for long-term answers on the front line.

Spartans defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa is trying to change that by going west. Suiaunoa offered Santa Margarita Catholic defensive lineman JJ Hanne for 2025 on Thursday. Hanne is one of the most sought-after three-stars in the class, holding offers from Texas, Alabama, Florida, Oregon, Georgia, UCLA, Nebraska and Arizona.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman is the 137th-ranked defensive lineman in the country, according to 247Sports.

“Hanne is originally from Germany and has only been playing soccer for two years,” the site reads. “Growing up, he played basketball and soccer and is an intriguing prospect due to his size and natural athleticism.”

Hanne has a deep connection to Georgia, where he camped and took an official visit. He’s been a top target for Bulldogs defensive line coach Tray Scott.

“Coach Scott called me a couple months ago, a month or two ago,” Hanne told 247Sports. “He called me and said he liked my film and my story. He really wanted me to come to camp to get an offer.”

Hanne’s film and the effort and skills he demonstrated at the camp earned him this offer. He returned to Athens on the weekend of June 21.

Michigan State’s recent offer to Hanne could be a sign of a few things. The Spartans are likely looking for more depth and size on the defensive line, especially in the long term. Hanne can play anywhere with his size and athleticism, though he could fit in at the 3-technique position.

Thrush and Simmons, both three-stars according to 247Sports, were polished additions from a technical standpoint. The two will likely line up differently, with Thrush as a defensive end and Simmons as an interior. However, Hanne is a raw prospect with high upside that Suiaunoa can develop.

The Spartans’ offer for Hanne may be late, but it’s nonetheless an attempt to sign a player late in the game. The staff has shown prowess in late-game recruiting, such as the addition of cornerback Aydan West.

Michael France is the Michigan State recruiting editor for Sports Illustrated. He covers all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive coverage of Spartans recruiting.

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