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Michigan State Football Beats Out Big 10 Rivals for Top 2026 WR Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Smith | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 6:40 PM ET

The Michigan State Spartans landed one of their big targets at wideout on Monday as they beat out a pair of Big 10 opponents for a Class of 2026 prospect.

St. Francis (Ill.) product Zachary Washington made the decision to attend Michigan State on Monday, according to On3. The three-star prospect chose the Spartans over offers from conference rivals Indiana, Washington, and Wisconsin, and recently took an official visit to Big 12 program West Virginia.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 WR Zachary Washington has Committed to Michigan State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 185 WR from Wheaton, IL chose the Spartans over Washington, West Virginia, & Indiana

“All glory to God! Spartan nation I’m home!!!”https://t.co/L7NAMLAt7E pic.twitter.com/b6ELsXff2j
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 16, 2025

Washington, a 6-foot-2, 183 pound wide receiver, took official visits to Wisconsin on May 29 and to Michigan State on June 6. And despite hitting West Virginia this past weekend he quickly made the decision to go public with his Michigan State commitment, announcing his decision within a day after the visit in Morgantown ended.

Wisconsin was widely assumed as the eventual landing spot for Washington after his visit to Madison in May, but his visit to East Lansing earlier this month seemed to have an effect on the highly-touted recruit. Washington posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he "had a great time" on his visit with the Spartans. Less than two weeks later, he made his commitment to Michigan State football.

Had a great time on my OV at michigan state this weekend, thank you for everything! @CoachHawk_5 @MSU_Football @CoachMac44 @SFHSFBWheaton

pictures on ig-zachh.washington pic.twitter.com/5PFJ9X8AhX
— Zachary Washington (@zach5washington) June 8, 2025

The commitment continues a string of success for Michigan State Head Coach Jonathan Smith on the recruiting trail as he continues to land big commitments in the Class of 2026. The Washington decision comes just days after the Spartans landed three-star cornerback TJ Umenyiora, four-star offensive lineman Collin Campbell, and a number of other big prospects.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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