WVU Football Makes Cut as Top School for 2026 Playmaker

For a positive sign about the recruitment of a highly coveted wide receiver, Zachary Washington has placed the WVU football program on his most update list of top schools.

Washington included West Virginia as one of his top seven this week. This new development comes a week after WVU wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett visited Washington at his home in Wheaton, Ill. The Mountaineers made the cut along with Indiana, Kansas State, Michigan State, Missouri, Ole Miss and Wisconsin.

#AGTG Where’s 🏠⁉️ @CoachMac44 @EDGYTIM @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @GregSmithRivals @AllenTrieu @SFHSFBWheaton pic.twitter.com/5seLoI1fMF

— Zachary Washington (@zach5washington) May 9, 2025

Following his time with Garrett, Washington posted a a message of thanks to the West Virginia coach on social media. “Thank you Coach (Ryan) Garrett for spending time with me and my family,” said Garrett on X (formerly Twitter).

Washington, who attends St. Francis High School, is considered one of the top players in the state and even one of the top 100 wide outs nationally by multiple major recruiting services. Garrett extended an official offer to Washington in late January.

247 Sports ranks Washington at No. 14 in Illinois and On3 Sports places him at No. 16.

Washington totaled 1,450 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 2024 while being named a first-team all-state and all-conference player.

In addition to West Virginia, Washington has offers from Indiana, Illinois, Kansas State, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Purdue, Syracuse and many more.

Find more coverage of WVU football recruiting at WV Sports Now.