News Summary
Michigan State University has landed a commitment from Zachary Washington, a skilled wide receiver from Wheaton St. Francis, Illinois. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, Washington had considered multiple collegiate programs but ultimately chose MSU after developing a strong connection with the coaching staff during his official visit. Washington’s versatility and speed will enhance the Spartans’ receiving corps as they continue to build their recruiting class for the upcoming seasons.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) has secured a commitment from Zachary Washington, a talented wide receiver from Wheaton St. Francis in Illinois. Washington, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 185 pounds, was sought after by several collegiate programs but ultimately chose to join the Spartans over other candidates, notably Wisconsin.
Washington’s commitment followed an earlier inclination toward Wisconsin after his official visit there in early June. However, MSU was able to turn the tide during his own official visit, where he developed a strong rapport with the coaching staff, particularly with wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins. This relationship played a significant role in Washington’s decision, as Hawkins provided a detailed plan for utilizing Washington’s talents on the field.
A crucial aspect of Washington’s appeal to MSU lies in his speed and agility, which the coaching staff plans to leverage, especially in open field situations. Washington has shown versatility as a receiver, and he is expected to contribute not only in the passing game but also in return duties due to his skills. His father emphasized the importance of Hawkins’s dedicated recruitment style, considering his straightforward approach and consistent communication throughout the process.
Washington’s transition to MSU is also aided by the presence of his former high school quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who is already on the Spartans’ roster. The connection between Washington and Milivojevic has been solidified through numerous summer practices, allowing for a natural chemistry that should benefit their future performance on the field.
From a performance perspective, Washington had a remarkable junior season, being recognized as a first-team all-state selection after scoring 16 touchdowns and accumulating 1,450 all-purpose yards. His reputation as a three-star prospect has been reinforced by his ranking as the No. 17 rising senior in Illinois, according to 247Sports.
Washington’s commitment marks a significant addition to Michigan State’s recruiting class for 2026, bringing the total to 16 commitments thus far. The Spartans are actively seeking to enhance their roster, particularly in the receiving department, and Washington’s arrival adds depth and skill, critical for future seasons.
As MSU continues its recruitment efforts, there are two upcoming uncommitted official visitors: Logan Nagle, a defensive lineman from Wayne, New Jersey, and Ezaya Tokio, a linebacker from Oceanside, California. Nagle is also considering offers from other schools such as Pittsburgh and Boston College, while Tokio has shown interest in schools like Washington and UCLA.
In terms of Washington’s skill set, his ability to break tackles and perform in open field conditions distinguishes him as a versatile player. His quickness off the snap and proficiency in executing sharp cuts without losing momentum are viewed as strengths that will aid him as he transitions into college football. With Washington’s commitment, Michigan State is taking promising steps to build a competitive team moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Zachary Washington
- 247Sports
- Google Search: Zachary Washington
- Spartans Wire
- Google Scholar: Zachary Washington
- Rivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zachary Washington
- On3
- Google News: Zachary Washington
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