Detroit Catholic Central’s Samson Gash Shines in Title Win, Keeps College Options Open Amid MSU Uncertainty
Detroit - In the biggest game of his high school career, Samson Gash delivered. And then some.
The senior wide receiver capped off his high school journey in style, helping Detroit Catholic Central claim the Division 1 state championship with a dominant 42-19 win over Detroit Cass Tech at Ford Field on Sunday night. Gash didn’t just hoist the trophy - he earned it, contributing in all three phases and showing why he’s the top-ranked receiver in Michigan.
But while the lights were shining on the field, there was plenty happening off it, too. Earlier in the day, Michigan State fired head coach Jonathan Smith, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Gash’s verbal commitment to the Spartans. And as he stood on the turf celebrating a title, Gash acknowledged that his recruiting situation is suddenly wide open again.
“My phone was blowing up before the game,” Gash said postgame. “I had to put it on mute to lock in.
I’m just trying to enjoy this moment with my guys. But yeah, I’ve got some decisions to make.”
Gash didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation.
“I’d say I’m looking around for sure,” he added.
That’s not surprising. When a program makes a coaching change - especially this close to the early signing period - it can send ripples through a recruiting class.
And for a player of Gash’s caliber, the attention is instant. Schools that had previously moved on are now circling back, hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty in East Lansing.
Gash’s connection to Michigan State runs deep. His older brother, Caleb, is a defensive back for the Spartans.
And his primary recruiter, wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, has been a consistent presence through multiple coaching regimes. Hawkins has survived three different head coaches - Mel Tucker, interim Harlon Barnett, and most recently, Jonathan Smith - and Gash made it clear he’s watching to see if that streak continues.
“He’s been on me forever,” Gash said. “I love that dude and hopefully he stays.”
That could be a key piece in whether Gash sticks with his commitment. But for now, he’s not making any firm decisions. Not with the early signing period just days away and a potential coaching hire - possibly former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald - looming for Michigan State.
Gash committed to the Spartans back in June, one of two four-star recruits in Smith’s 2026 class, along with Arizona offensive tackle Collin Campbell. As of Saturday, MSU had 20 commitments lined up. But with Smith out, the status of that class is now in flux.
And Gash’s recent visit to Alabama only adds to the intrigue. His stock has been rising fast, thanks in large part to his elite speed.
He’s not just a football standout - he’s the reigning 100-meter state champion in Michigan, and he plans to defend that title this spring. Gash sees himself as a football player who runs track, not the other way around, but that speed translates on the gridiron in a big way.
In Sunday’s championship win, Gash had five receptions for 25 yards and a highlight-reel 48-yard punt return that flipped field position and fired up the Catholic Central sideline. His younger brother, junior Gideon Gash, stole the show with three receiving touchdowns, giving the Gash family a night to remember.
Football runs deep in the family. Their father, Sam Gash, played at Penn State, won a Super Bowl in the NFL, and spent time as an assistant coach with the Detroit Lions.
Another brother, Isaiah, played running back at Michigan. It’s a football lineage that’s hard to ignore - and one that makes Samson’s next move all the more intriguing.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty at Michigan State,” Gash said. “I’m gonna see how everything plays out, and who knows?”
For now, Gash is taking a well-earned moment to enjoy a championship. But the next few weeks could be just as eventful - and just as impactful - as anything that happened on the field at Ford Field.