2025 California QB Leo Hannan breaks down commitment to Michigan State

Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and company came up big on the recruiting trail Monday, landing their top 2025 quarterback target in three-star California prospect Leo Hannan.

Hannan (6-4, 205) is the No. 801 recruit in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings. He committed to Michigan State over offers from Arkansas, Washington, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Virginia and Colorado, among others.

Hannan most recently visited Michigan State on Feb. 3. His father joined him on that trip, their first to East Lansing.

“When I was out there, I had a blast,” Hannan told SpartanMag. “We went to a junior day and then a basketball game. The whole thing was just awesome.”

Michigan State’s junior day event attracted plenty of other prospects, but Hannan still felt like a priority that day. After heading home and reflecting on the trip, it didn’t take long for him to decide that Michigan State was the place he wanted to spend his college career.

“It took a couple weeks before it set in,” Hannan said of his final decision. “Committing was obviously a hard challenge because you want to make sure you are being thorough with your decision and the people you are going to be with, especially in this new era of college football.”

“When I dream at night, I dream that I am wearing that green, white and black, man,” Hannan continued. “That is what affirmed my decision and my feelings and my thoughts. I would say it was a couple weeks after that trip.”

Breaking down the decision to commit to Michigan State

Hannan planned to return to East Lansing on Saturday for Michigan State’s Spring Showcase, but he found out a few days before his departure that he would no longer be able to make the trip. Hannan quickly called Michigan State’s coaches to let them know that he wouldn’t be there. He also left a twist for Smith at the end of the call.

“I called coach Smith first, straight to the boss-man,” Hannan said with a laugh. “I led him on a little bit of a cliffhanger because I wasn’t able to make the spring game as I initially thought.

“So I was like, ‘Coach, I’m not going to be at the spring game, but I have decided to commit to your school.’ He loved it. (Smith) was super thrilled. He said, ‘That’s even better. Let’s go. Let’s get this thing rolling.’”

“I tried to call coach Lindgren but he was busy with some family stuff,” Hannan continued. “I sent him a gratitude text. Those are the two guys I talked to. I also have a Michigan State staff group chat that I’m in, so I texted those guys too, and they were thrilled.”

Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren first offered Hannan during their time at Oregon State. Throughout their transition to Michigan State, the coaches kept Hannan at the top of their board.

“Honestly, that was one of the biggest things that got me to commit,” Hannan said. “I appreciate all the energy that they put into me, and I want to reciprocate that energy. I am thrilled with my decision. I am at peace and I am happy. I love it.”

Hannan has developed a strong bond with Lindgren, Smith, Michigan State general manager Cole Moore and others on the Spartan staff.

“Those guys are amazing,” Hannan said. “That whole staff, really. They are awesome guys. During the January recruiting period, coach Lindgren visited my school two or three times. Coach Smith also came to Servite. It just reaffirmed my love for those guys and I just knew I had to check out their new spot in East Lansing.”

Smith’s background as a quarterback impressed Hannan from the start. Smith played quarterback for Oregon State in 1998-2001. He finished his career as the Beavers’ all-time leader in passing yards (9,680), touchdown passes (55), single-game passing yards (469 vs. Washington in 1998) and single-season passing yards (3,053).

“That was one of the reasons I loved coach Smith,” Hannan said. “When I had my sit down meeting with him and my father back in February, (Smith) said all the right things – how he understands what it’s like to be a quarterback, the mental, emotional and physical aspects.

“The quarterback is in charge of the offense and the head coach is in charge of the team and the organization essentially, so I think those work hand-in-hand. I already know he will do a great job.”

Connection to midwest, Aidan Chiles

Another plus of Smith’s move to East Lansing is Hannan’s familiarity with the surrounding area. His mother – who Hannan referred to as a “midwest lady” – is from Cleveland.

“I was super thrilled when they moved to a huge Big Ten school and kept the same staff,” Hannan said. “I’m friends with Aidan Chiles and when he went there too, it all just hit me the right way.”

Hannan trains with California quarterback trainer Sam Fisher, founder of the Throw2Win development program. Current Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles also trained with Fisher. Hannan and Chiles previously crossed paths during training sessions.

“I have trained with Aidan a couple of times,” Hannan said. “That dude is something special for sure. East Lansing is lucky to have him. He is a super great guy, too. He is going to open eyes, man. Heisman candidate, I’m calling it.”

Hannan threw for 2,429 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as a junior, according to MaxPreps. He also rushed for 213 yards and six touchdowns.

At Anaheim (Calif.) Servite High School, Hannan faces not only the top competition from southern California, but also the country. Servite’s league, the Trinity League, is home to powerhouse schools such as St. John’s Bosco and Mater Dei, among others.

“The coaches think I have really good physical talents,” Hannan said. “They like my size. I am athletic. I have a basketball background. I have good arm strength. I am a really good decision-maker.

“On the field, I find a way to win. My team, we went to the championship game this year despite all odds. We compete, that’s what we do. I am a competitor. I think they see that in me. They see my school and the program that has been built and the foundation that’s been built and forged upon me. I think that attracted them to me initially.”

Putting on recruiter hat during upcoming official visit

Hannan will return to East Lansing for an official visit on June 7. The first commit in Michigan State’s 2025 class, Hannan is already working on getting others to join him.

“On that trip, I am honestly just trying to have a good time and get more acclimated to the area,” Hannan said. “Just hangout with the coaches and get to know them better. Also, from my understanding, there will be some other top recruits there. I hope to sway them to Michigan State.”

“I have already begun the process of texting some recruits of theirs,” Hannan continued. “I think it would be awesome if we could get a couple kids to commit during those official visit weekends in the 2025 class.”

In-state three-star linebacker Charles White will join Hannan in East Lansing on June 7. White will make his college decision on April 27. Michigan State is in good standing with White headed into his decision.

Three-star Honolulu (Hawaii) offensive lineman Houston Kaahaaina-Torres and Minneapolis (Minn.) defensive tackle Abu Tarawallie, among others, will also take official visits to Michigan State on June 7.

“My selling point is the coaches, honestly,” Hannan said. “Now these guys have such a huge platform here at Michigan State, I mean just think about it. I even throw in stuff, like, ‘Dude, look how cool the jerseys are.’ You can’t pass that up. Just the competitive brand of being at Michigan State, the academic side of it, the social side of it, it’s an all-around great school.

“I hope people can see that with coach Smith and what he’s going to do, that it’s going to be a special place to be and we can do some huge things here.”

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