Washington Huskies' top recruit decommits following Kalen DeBoer's departure

Bethel (Washington) four-star linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale is arguably the top player in the state of Washington

It's been a wild week for the Washington Huskies football program.

Following a national championship game loss to the Michigan Wolverines, Washington learned it would also lose its head coach Friday, as Kalen DeBoer is set to become the next head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

For prospective student-athletes, DeBoer's departure creates uncertainly about the future of the Washington football program.

The ramifications of that are beginning to show.

Following the news of DeBoer's departure, Bethel (Washington) four-star linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale announced his decommitment from the program.

"With the uncertainty surrounding the (Washington) football program I have decided to de-commit and open back up my recruitment," he wrote. "Please respect my decision."

With the uncertainty surrounding the UW Football program I have decided to de-commit and open back up my recruitment. Please respect my decision. @BrandonHuffman @TFordFSP @AndrewNemec

— 4⭐️ LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale (@ZaydriusS) January 12, 2024

The class of 2025 prospect, rated the nation's No. 79 overall prospect and No. 12 linebacker, committed to Washington less than a week ago and represented their highest-rated pledge in more than a calendar year. 

That moment was especially significant because it also marked the first time Washington had secured a commitment from the state's top prospect since the class of 2018 when future NFL defensive back Kyler Gordon chose the Huskies.

Prior to his commitment, Rainey-Sale had a top five that consisted of Florida State, Miami, Oregon, Penn State and Washington.