Courtney Hawkins has done it again. The Michigan State football assistant is one of the best receivers coaches in the country and when he identifies a guy he wants, he usually lands him.
That came to fruition once again on Monday afternoon.
Down to his final three following his official visits, three-star wideout Zach Washington set a commitment date for Monday and he got to announce his decision between Michigan State, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It was a Big Ten-heavy race for the Wheaton, Ill., native.
The Spartans were trending after his visit and he followed through on that, committing to Michigan State and Jonathan Smith on Monday afternoon, becoming the 16th member of the 2026 class.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 WR Zachary Washington has Committed to Michigan State, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 16, 2025
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
Washington is the first receiver to commit to Hawkins and Smith in the 2026 class and he's a guy they had to fight for. He was leaning toward Wisconsin before official visits and the momentum swung back in the Spartans' favor. You would have to think that his relationship and rapport with Alessio Milivojevic had to help. The two were teammates a couple of years ago.
The commitment now puts Michigan State back in the top 25 after slipping out for just a few hours on Monday following a big weekend. Michigan State now has six commitments over the past four days.
That commitment from Collin Campbell really set off a domino effect.
Since the start of official visit season, Smith has landed 12 commitments and his class has gone from the 70s nationally all the way into the top 25. This man is cooking right now after a 5-7 season, so just imagine what he could do if Michigan State wins 8-9 games.
Washington is the No. 112 receiver in the 2026 class.