Caleb Swanigan Decommits from Michigan State: Latest Details and Reaction

For nearly a month, Michigan State has been patiently waiting for a signed letter of intent from center Caleb Swanigan. It now appears the Spartans will never receive one.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman reported Thursday that the 5-star center has backed out of his verbal commitment to Michigan State.

Swanigan's adoptive father, Roosevelt Barnes, was a multisport star for the Purdue during the 1980s. Barnes also went on to play four years with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

News of Swanigan's decommitment is a massive blow for head coach Tom Izzo's 2015 class but not entirely unexpected. Despite landing Swanigan's commitment in early April, the team never received his formal letter of intent. Players who are planning to enroll in the fall are required to submit their paperwork by May 20.

"I really can't talk about it, but we're kind of going through a little bit of a thing. Football's been through it," Izzo told The Drive with Jack Ebling on Wednesday, per Matt Charboneau of The Detroit News. "So, nothing I'm worried about; I just can't talk about it."

Charboneau noted that Izzo was likely referring to a similar situation with football recruit Malik McDowell, who was eventually allowed to attend Michigan State by his apprehensive mother. A parent or guardian must approve a recruit's letter of intent under NCAA bylaws.

If Swanigan is truly decommitting, it appears his family ties have won out. The 6'8" big man is considered the No. 18 overall prospect and fourth-best center in the 2015 class.

He received a number of offers from high-profile programs before committing to Michigan State, most notably from Duke and California. Lindsay Brauner of Rivals.com reported that Swanigan is in contact with Cal coaches.

Jerry Meyer of 247Sports noted that a commitment from Swanigan would give the Golden Bears the No. 1-ranked 2015 recruiting class, per 247Sports' class calculator.

Purdue does not currently have a player ranked higher than 3 stars in its class. Its 2015 class is ranked 83rd overall and 13th among Big Ten schools. If Matt Painter is able to get a last-minute commitment from Swanigan, though, his program would be in a lot better shape.

Follow Tyler Conway on Twitter @tylerconway22. Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.