Samson Gash Back on MSU’s Radar as Fitzgerald Makes a Statement Courtside
With National Signing Day just days away, Michigan State is pulling out all the stops to re-secure one of the most electric playmakers in the 2026 class. On Friday night, new head coach Pat Fitzgerald made a very public pitch - and he did it in style.
Fitzgerald was courtside at the Breslin Center for the Spartans' rivalry showdown against Michigan, and sitting right next to him was none other than Samson Gash - the four-star wide receiver from Novi Detroit Catholic Central who had previously committed to MSU before reopening his recruitment in December.
The timing? Not a coincidence.
The setting? Perfectly calculated.
Gash and Fitzgerald drew a loud ovation from the Izzone as they took their seats, and the national broadcast took notice. Fox’s Gus Johnson even gave Gash a shoutout - albeit a vague one - calling him “a big-time recruit” as the camera panned to the duo.
Make no mistake: this was a statement from Fitzgerald. And it wasn’t just about optics. It was about showing a top-tier in-state talent that he’s a priority.
Gash’s Game Speaks for Itself
If you watched Catholic Central this past season, you already know the kind of impact Gash brings. He was the centerpiece of a Shamrocks team that went 14-0 and claimed the Division 1 state title.
At 6 feet, 190 pounds, Gash is a nightmare in space - and he’s got the numbers to prove it. Over 1,000 receiving yards, more than 500 return yards, and 18 total touchdowns as both a receiver and returner.
But his value doesn’t stop there. Gash also contributed on defense, rotating in at cornerback alongside his younger brother, Gideon. That two-way versatility, combined with elite track speed - and we’re talking state-record track speed - makes him one of the most dynamic athletes in the region.
Clocking a 10.41 in the 100 meters, Gash holds the fastest time in state history. And that’s after missing his first two high school track seasons due to hip injuries. 2025 was his first full spring on the track, and he didn’t just make up for lost time - he redefined what was possible.
A Crucial Piece in MSU’s Rebuild
According to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, Gash is the No. 6 player in Michigan for the 2026 class and sits at No. 280 nationally. He’s also the son of former NFL fullback and Detroit Lions assistant coach Sam Gash, so the football pedigree runs deep.
And let’s be clear - Michigan State needs him. The Spartans have seen significant turnover at wide receiver this offseason.
Nick Marsh, the team’s top wideout, transferred to Indiana. Evan Boyd is now at Iowa State, and Shawn Foster landed at Central Michigan.
That’s a lot of talent out the door.
MSU has tried to plug those holes through the portal, adding KK Smith from Notre Dame and Fredrick Moore from Michigan. But a player like Gash isn’t just a replacement - he’s a potential game-changer. A true WR1 in the making.
Fitzgerald’s decision to retain wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins - a respected developer of talent and a key recruiter - is another signal that the Spartans are serious about building a strong offensive core. Hawkins has a track record of identifying and maximizing potential, and Gash would be a perfect fit in that system.
The Final Stretch
With the signing window opening Wednesday, this is the home stretch. Gash’s recruitment is still open, but Friday night’s courtside appearance was more than just a photo op. It was a message: Michigan State wants him back, and they’re rolling out the green carpet to make it happen.
For Fitzgerald, this is one of his first big recruiting moments as MSU’s head coach. For Gash, it’s a chance to be the face of a new era in East Lansing. And for Spartans fans, it’s a recruitment worth watching - because if Gash does recommit, he could be the spark that lights the fuse on Fitzgerald’s rebuild.