Washington releases 2024 EDGE Keona Wilhite from NLI

After decommitting from Washington on Sunday, Washington has officially released Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic three-star EDGE Keona Wilhite from his National Letter of Intent (NLI).

His decision to decommit came less than a month after he signed his NLI with the Huskies — and two days after former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer left Seattle for Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Wilhite initially pledged to Washington on October 23.

“Please respect the decision I have made,” Wilhite wrote on social media Sunday. “After much discussion and prayer with my family I have decided to decommit from UW. I want to thank the UW community for all the love and support! With that said I am officially reopening my recruitment.”

The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder is the nation’s No. 627 overall prospect and No. 54 EDGE in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 13 recruit in Arizona.

4-star EDGE Noah Carter also released from NLI

Washington also released Peoria (Ariz.) Centennial four-star EDGE Noah Carter from his NLI on Thursday.

Carter spoke with On3 about his decision and where his recruitment now stands.

“Yeah, I would just say, really just trying to find the best situation for me,” Carter told On3 about what comes next. “Finding the best scheme, and really just seeing who really meshes with me. Seeing who would take me in.”

Despite the coaching change in Seattle, Carter was adamant that Washington is not off the table. He referenced the strong relationships he has built with the remaining staff at UW, and lamented the unfortunate circumstances that led to him having to decommit.

“No, Washington is definitely not off the table,” Carter said. “I built relationships with all the coaches, so that’s definitely not going anywhere. It’s just an unfortunate situation happening. Especially with them not even having my position with the coach.”

Louisville, Texas, Arizona State and Arizona were all schools involved in Carter’s recruitment before he committed to Washington. He expects to take visits before signing with a school in February, with the goal of determining which program he fits with best.

“Yeah you know, really just sitting down with my family and just seeing what’s the best fit for me like I said,” Carter said. “That’s really the most important thing. Really, right now is just seeing what fits best for me scheme-wise and just the culture and community around the school.”