2025 4-star LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale commits to Washington Huskies

Spanaway (Wash.) Bethel 2025 four-star linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale went back and forth this fall between Washington and Florida State.

The in-state Huskies and the Seminoles teetered back and forth as his favorites, with others like Oregon, Oregon State and Miami also in the mix. But as Rainey-Sale entered the new year, he felt stronger about staying home.

On Monday, just hours before Washington is set to take the field against Michigan in the national championship, he has committed to the Huskies.

“After I visited Florida State for the first time, I liked them. Then after I was at Florida State for the North Alabama game, I thought I was going there,” he told On3. “I loved it, I had that feeling and they were on top. Then I had a Zoom call with Washington on Jan. 3 and that is when it changed back. It was a great call, they laid out their full plan for me, they answered all the questions for me. And my mom and I made the decision then.”

Rainey-Sale is the nation’s No. 136 overall prospect and No. 15 linebacker in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Rainey-Sale also ranks No. 1 in the state of Washington.

While he wasn’t afraid of leaving his home state, the idea of playing closer to home and competing for championships both in the Big Ten and nationally was extremely appealing.

“I picked Washington because of the hospitality, the energy of the coaches and the players and the plan they have for me,” he added. “Everything is in place for me at Washington and all I have to do is go make plays. The coaches have been great recruiting me. They have given me so many reasons why I should go there. They have a plan, they are very detailed, they are caring people and they just gave me every reason to stay home and to go to Washington.”

Rainey-Sale can see what Washington has built

The results on the field this season for the Huskies have been obvious, but the culture that Kalen DeBoer and his staff have built might be even more important. The energy around the program has grabbed Rainey-Sale’s attention in a major way.

“Washington is just different,” he said. “I have been there five or six times and they have that energy and do everything at a high level. It is a great fit for me.The culture fits me and the high level of intensity, too.”

Assistant William Inge has been recruiting him since my freshman year, and the two have built a great relationships. And his connection with DeBoer has been second-to-none and ultimately helped put the Huskies over the top.

“Coach DeBoer is a great leader for Washington,” he said. “He has the program in a great place and I am excited about being part of that. The players play hard for me, they compete and Coach DeBoer, Coach Inge and the staff have everyone excited about the program.”