Knauls Jr. Chooses Michigan State After Visit
Defensive Lineman Commits too Spartans’ 2026 Class
Following a successful visit, three-star defensive lineman Christopher Knauls Jr. from Texas has announced his commitment to Michigan State. The addition of Knauls Jr. bolsters the Spartans’ 2026 recruiting class, signaling a promising future for the teamS defense.
Key Growth
Christopher Knauls Jr., standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 264 pounds, is ranked as the No.37 defensive end in the 2026 class. However, he is expected to begin his career as a defensive tackle.He currently attends Lone Star High School in frisco, Texas.
Knauls expressed a strong connection with the Michigan State coaching staff, citing thier thorough player development plan as a major factor in his decision. He has developed strong relationships with head coach Jonathan Smith, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Joe Rossi, defensive line coach Leafy, and assistant defensive line coach Antjuan Simmons, among others.
According to the NCAA, the recruiting success rate for defensive lineman is around 30%, making Knauls’s commitment a significant win for Michigan State (NCSA Sports).
Michigan state’s coaching staff emphasizes the importance of life skills beyond football, preparing players for success both on and off the field.
The player development on how they develop players,” Knauls told Spartans Illustrated. “The coaching staff, they’re real big on players being bigger than just being football players, being more in life. I feel like that’s a big aspect because football’s going to end at some point for all of us. It’s not something to take for granted.
so, we gotta have a certain plan on what we’re gonna do after football when it ends. And I think they have a great plan for every player in the program. So, I feel like it was the best decision for me and my family.
Official Visit Highlights
During his visit to East Lansing, Knauls observed the players’ training routines and interactions, which solidified his desire to join the Spartans. He was impressed by the team’s unity and brotherhood.
I got to see a lot – how the players work out,how they lift,how they train,in meetings,how they talk and how they communicate with each other,” Knauls said.”We got to hang out with a lot of the players and a lot of the coaches, and just seeing how they come together as a team and just as a brotherhood is really something unique to see.
Knauls’s visit was hosted by seventh-year defensive lineman Quindarius Dunnigan. The two connected on a deep level, with Dunnigan sharing insights about life as a Spartan.
He’s one of a kind,” Knauls said about Dunnigan. “He taught me a lot of things about not just Michigan State, but life in general. We’re both spiritually close. So, we were talking about, spiritually, how it helps him get through his lows – how he gets picked up by his teammates and coaches as well as everybody’s there to support you, not hurt you. But at the same time, you’re going to get hurt in the process, but it just depends on how you come back from that, how you respond.Quindarius was a great host.
Building strong relationships with current players during official visits can provide recruits with valuable insights into team culture and life as a student-athlete.
Spending time with the coaching staff further solidified Knauls’s decision, as he felt comfortable and valued.
I got to spend time with all the coaches, and their relationship with me is great,” Knauls said.”They let me show my true personality with them, so I really loved that they let me show that true side of me. I’m glad that I’m gonna be spending my time with them in this time coming up.
Recruitment Journey
Before committing to Michigan State, Knauls had visited Oklahoma State and Boise State. Official visits to Houston, Tulane, and Kansas were planned but have since been canceled.
In addition to the schools he visited, Knauls received offers from California, Colorado, Dartmouth, Indiana, Kansas State, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Utah, and others.
Versatility on the Defensive Line
Knauls brings versatility to the defensive line, capable of playing both inside and outside, though he will likely start inside. He is prepared to play wherever the team needs him.
I wouldn’t be mad if I played inside, I wouldn’t be mad if I played outside,” Knauls explained. “I’m versatile.But in my high school days, I’ve learned how to play both inside and outside. Timing is everything when you play D-line, and physicality as well. (The Spartans) do see me as a true three-technique, three tech to a four-I to a four-tech, or sometimes playing the five-technique – it depends on what package they use. But yes, mostly playing inside.
MSU’s 2026 Class
With knauls’s commitment, Michigan State’s 2026 class now includes nine scholarship players.Other commits include four-star quarterback Kayd coffman, four-star tight end Eddie Whiting, three-star safety Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, three-star tight end Joey Caudill, three-star offensive lineman Eli Bickel, three-star safety Brayden Thomas, three-star linebacker Braylon Hodge, and three-star cornerback Kelsey Deriso.
MSU also has a commitment from preferred walk-on 2026 athlete Jack Lansing III.
Knauls shared a final message for Michigan State fans:
Go green, go White! All glory to God.
