Will Mel Tucker scandal cause former Penn State target to reopen recruitment?

Over the weekend, the explosive news broke that Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker had been suspended without pay amid an ongoing investigation into sexual harassment claims. Although he is still technically the Spartans head coach, many expect his days in East Lansing to be numbered. This situation has many unfortunate real-world consequences, but it will also lead to significant changes for Michigan State on the field. But given all the shake-ups likely heading for Michigan State, is it possible that former Penn State football top target and current Spartans commit Nick Marsh could reopen his recruitment?

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker suspended amid sexual harassment claims

Late Saturday night/early Sunday morning, the USA Today reported that Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is the subject of an ongoing sexual harassment investigation. The investigation, reported to have started last December, claims that Tucker made inappropriate comments and actions towards rape survivor and advocate Brenda Tracy.

As the news trickled out Sunday, it was unclear if Tucker would make it through the weekend as Michigan State head coach. Several outlets reported Sunday afternoon that Tucker had been fired by the university. Ultimately, a Michigan State news conference revealed that Tucker had been suspended without pay until a formal hearing on the investigation occurs in early October.

However, as several top reporters, including Brett McMurphy of the Action Network, note, this move is merely a formality, and Mel Tucker is not expected to remain as the Michigan State head coach.

Michigan State AD Alan Haller says coach Mel Tucker suspended w/out pay pending outcome of Title IX investigation. “This is just a formality,” source told @ActionNetworkHQ “Mel Tucker has coached his last game at MSU. This is something school legally must proceed w/(regarding…

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 10, 2023

Will former Penn State top target Nick Marsh reopen his recruitment?

While the repercussions of this situation will carry on for some time, there are some immediate consequences on the field. Michigan State must first get through the 2023 season with interim head coach Harlon Barnett. Former Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio will also return in a support role. Whether it be Barnett or someone else, Michigan State must find a new head coach for the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, the Spartans must also try to keep its 2024 recruiting class intact. A key name that Penn State football fans may want to keep on their radar in the coming months is four-star WR Nick Marsh.

From River Rouge High School in Michigan, Marsh had initially committed to the Spartans in July 2022. Marsh eventually backed off this commitment, and it appeared like he would end up at Penn State for quite some time.

After his official visit in early June, several outlets predicted Marsh would commit to Penn State. However, Mel Tucker and Michigan State closed strong, and Marsh committed to the Spartans in early July.

Marsh and several of his River Rouge teammates were at Michigan State’s game versus Richmond on Saturday. He is expected to make a return visit this weekend when No. 8 Washington comes to East Lansing. But we will see if recent developments change those plans.

MSU commit @NickMarsh_11
in attendance today with fellow River Rouge 2024 teammates Leo Garcia (LB/Safety) and Cam Broadnax (RB). They're planning on coming back next week for the Washington game. pic.twitter.com/iHOe0AVnsI

— David Harns (@DavidHarns) September 9, 2023

While Michigan State will always have the home appeal for Marsh, Penn State was clearly in the running during his recruitment for a long time. Given the controversy brewing in East Lansing, he may ultimately give Happy Valley a second look. Don’t be surprised if Nick Marsh eventually pops back up on recruiting boards in the coming months.

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