MSU football holds onto, signs 3-star Illinois wide receiver prospect

Michigan State football was able to hold onto one of its top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 class on Wednesday.

Zachary Washington of Wheaton, Ill. made it official on Wednesday, signing to become a Michigan State Spartan. Washington was one of many Michigan State commitments to sign with the Spartans on Wednesday -- which was the first day of the early signing period.

Washington is a three-star wide receiver, with a recruiting rating of 87 on 247Sports. He ranks as the No. 108 wide receiver and No. 19 player from Illinois in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2026 class.

Washington has been verbally committed to Michigan State since June, but just a few days ago stated he would reassess his recruitment following the firing of Jonathan Smith. Ultimately, he never decommitted from Michigan State and made things official on Wednesday.

Michigan State beat out offers from Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Minnesota, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, Nebraska and others to land Washington. This is a nice addition to the Spartans' 2026 class.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU football holds onto, signs 3-star WR Zachary Washington