Samson Gash, one of the most dynamic wide receiver prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, is headed to one of high school football’s biggest stages. The Michigan State commit has been selected to play in the Polynesian Bowl, set for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu - a showcase that consistently draws elite talent from across the country.
The game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
Gash, a four-star receiver with a 90 rating on 247Sports, is currently ranked as the No. 50 wideout in the country and the No. 5 overall player from Michigan. His selection to the Polynesian Bowl is a testament not just to his athleticism and production, but also to the national buzz surrounding his recruitment.
While Gash has been verbally committed to Michigan State since late June, his recruitment is far from over. He chose not to sign during the early signing period earlier this month - a move that turned heads and opened the door for other programs to make a late push. And push they have.
In recent weeks, Gash has picked up offers from Penn State and Georgia, two programs with strong track records of developing NFL-caliber receivers. Alabama has also emerged as a serious contender, with growing interest suggesting the Crimson Tide are firmly in the mix.
This isn’t just a case of a top-tier athlete keeping his options open - it’s a developing recruiting battle that could have ripple effects across multiple programs. For Michigan State, keeping Gash in the fold would be a major win for a 2026 class that’s looking to build momentum. But with blue-blood programs circling, the Spartans will have to work to hold onto one of their crown jewels.
Gash’s decision to hold off on signing adds intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be a dramatic finish to his recruitment. The Polynesian Bowl will give him a chance to showcase his skills on a national stage, and you can bet college coaches will be watching closely. Whether he sticks with Michigan State or takes his talents elsewhere, Gash’s next move will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the 2026 cycle.
For now, all eyes turn to Honolulu, where Gash will line up alongside - and against - some of the best high school talent in the country. It’s a fitting spotlight for a player whose future is as bright as any in his class.