Michigan State men's basketball lands commitment from 2026 four-star PF Julius Avent

Michigan State men's basketball got its 2026 class started with a bang back in the summer, landing four-star point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. back in July. However, the fireworks haven’t stopped, as 2026 four-star power forward Julius Avent has now also given his pledge to head coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans.

The 6-foot-5 forward out of Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey ranks as the No. 72 prospect overall and the No. 13 power forward and No. 2 player in the Garden State in the 2026 class, according to Rivals/On3's individual rankings. In the Rivals Industry rankings, Avent ranks as the No. 80 overall player, No. 11 power forward and No. 2 prospect in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, Avent ranks as the No. 78 overall recruit, No. 13 power forward and No. 2 prospect in New Jersey in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He checks in at No. 93 overall and as the No. 16 player at his position and No. 2 player in his state in 247Sports' individual rankings.

Avent has been recruited hard by Izzo and staff all Ssmmer long. The Spartans offered him back on June 14. Since then, he has taken an official visit to Michigan State on Aug. 30 and Izzo has made an effort to visit Avent multiple times over the course of the last few months. 

This recruitment was down to the wire, as Avent also had Seton Hall (where his father played) and Xavier in his final three. Seton Hall was considered the favorite to land Avent for several weeks, but the MSU staff's consistent effort was able to swing momentum in favor of the Spartans late in the process. Avent was scheduled to take an official visit to Seton Hall this weekend, but decided to commit to Michigan State before that happened.

Avent also held offers from Providence, Penn State, Villanova, Mississippi State, Washington and Iowa State, among others. He also took official visit with the Musketeers.

Avent is the exact kind of hybrid and athletic forward that Izzo has thrived with during his time at Michigan State. Avent’s long frame and physicality allows him to get to his spots in the paint and score over defenders. He also has shown the ability to stretch defenses with his outside shot during the Nike EYBL circuit this Summer. His active hands on defense and tenacity will be a great addition to Michigan State’s fast paced, transition-focus brand of basketball. 

With this commitment, Michigan State now has commitments from its top priorities at point guard and power forward in the 2026 class secured.

As far as the rest of the 2026 class, look for Michigan State to continue to add top talent. Names to watch out for that MSU is pursuing hard include four-star shooting guard Jasiah Jervis (who officially visited during the weekend of Sep. 6 and "Grind Week"), five-star center Ethan Taylor (who will officially visit during the weekend of Oct. 3 for "Michigan State Madness"), four-star power forward/center Tristan Reed (who officially visited during the weekend of Sept. 20), four-star small forward Maximo Adams (who officially visited the weekend of Sept. 12), and four-star small forward/power forward Jalyn Collingwood (who is currently scheduled to officially visit during the weekend of Oct. 3 for "Michigan State Madness").