Washington State Secures Four-Star OL, Three-Star CB to Boost 2027 Class
The Washington State Cougars continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, adding two significant commitments to their growing 2027 recruiting class, including beating out several regional rivals for a coveted four-star offensive lineman.
The Cougars recently secured pledges from offensive lineman Rashaun Lavata’i of Curtis High School in University Place, Washington and cornerback Gianni Haynes of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. These additions represent another step forward for a Washington State program looking to strengthen its roster while joining a rebuilt Pac 12 conference.
The first four-star to commit for new coach Kirby Moore, the 6-7, 265-pound Lavata’i holds a 90 overall rating in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is currently ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Washington and one of the top offensive linemen in the Pacific Northwest. More importantly, Lavata’i becomes Washington State’s first four-star commitment since 2018, making his pledge one of the most significant recruiting victories for the program in recent memory.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Lavata’i is also one of the highest-rated recruits in Washington State history, ranking fourth among Cougar commitments in the modern recruiting era. While it remains unclear whether he will ultimately play tackle or move inside along the offensive line, his size, athleticism, and developmental potential make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class in a commitment that surprised many in the recruiting circuit.
Lavata’i’s recruitment was highly competitive, as Washington State beat out in-state rival Washington for his commitment while also fending off strong interest from Utah and Oregon State. He held additional offers from Arizona, UCLA, Boise State, and several other programs, which shouldn’t come as a shock considering his ranking as one of the best offensive linemen prospects in the country.
For a program that has often struggled to keep elite in-state talent away from larger brands, landing a prospect of Lavata’i’s caliber represents a major statement for Moore and his staff. Now, the key will be keeping him and avoiding a change of plans before he arrives in 2027.
Haynes, a 6-foot, 180-pound cornerback, is rated as an 87 overall prospect on 247 Sports and carries a high three-star rating. His commitment is another notable recruiting win for the Cougars, as he chose Washington State over several Power 4 programs, including Arizona, California, Utah, and Washington, marking another victory over the program’s biggest rival.
On the defensive side of the ball, Haynes becomes the third defensive back to commit in Washington State’s 2027 class. He joins safety Noah Clark and cornerback SirJewel Glover, giving the Cougars a promising foundation in the secondary. His commitment also highlights Washington State’s growing recruiting presence in California. Of the program’s 19 total commitments in the 2027 class, 11 now come from California and all 19 have came from the Western United States.
The commitments of Haynes and Lavata’i continue a strong recruiting run for Washington State. Haynes strengthens an already promising defensive back group, while Lavata’i gives Washington State one of its biggest recruiting victories in years to bolster the trenches with an elite prospect. With 19 commits as of June 25, it will be interesting to see how much more work KirMoore and his staff do on the trail between now and signing day.
