One of the most intriguing storylines in Michigan State's 2026 recruiting class just got a little more interesting. Four-star wide receiver Samson Gash, a verbal commit to the Spartans since late June, is set to visit East Lansing on January 30. But here's the catch - he still hasn’t signed.
Gash, out of Novi, Michigan, is ranked as the No. 5 player in the state and the No. 50 wide receiver nationally, according to 247Sports. At 90 overall on the recruiting scale, he's the kind of talent that can shift momentum for a program - and right now, both Michigan State and Penn State are jockeying for position.
While Gash remains verbally committed to the Spartans, his decision to skip the early signing period raised some eyebrows. That move signaled he’s keeping his options open, and those options are growing. Penn State is set to host him this weekend, and he's also attracted attention from Georgia and Alabama - two national powers that don’t come calling unless they see something special.
And make no mistake, Gash is special. He’s got the size, speed, and route-running polish that make him a matchup nightmare in the open field.
His film shows a player who can stretch the field vertically but also isn’t afraid to go across the middle and make tough catches in traffic. He’s the kind of receiver who can be a quarterback’s best friend - and a defensive coordinator’s worst headache.
Michigan State has made keeping Gash a top priority, and for good reason. Under a new coaching regime, the Spartans are trying to reestablish their identity and rebuild a roster capable of contending in the new-look Big Ten. Landing - and keeping - an in-state talent like Gash would be a major statement.
But Penn State is no slouch in this race. The Nittany Lions have a history of developing receivers and sending them to the next level, and they’re clearly making a strong late push. With both programs set to host Gash in the coming weeks, this recruitment could come down to the wire.
National Signing Day is just around the corner in February, and Gash’s final decision could have ripple effects beyond just these two schools. For now, all eyes will be on his visits - and how each program makes its final pitch to one of Michigan’s top talents.