Sacramento State Lands 4-Star WR Xavier McDonald Over Ole Miss, LSU

Four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald, one of the top recruits in the 2026 class and ranked as the No. 16 receiver nationally, committed to Sacramento State, surprising many who expected him to stay in-state with Ole Miss. McDonald, a 6-foot-2, 160-pound athlete from Morton, Mississippi, chose the Hornets over offers from Ole Miss, LSU, and UNC, making him the highest-ranked recruit in Sacramento State history. Head coach Brennan Marion, in his first year, has been actively building a strong recruiting culture, with McDonald becoming a key part of that effort after an official visit in late June. The coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Kenneth Merchant and wide receivers coach Sidhart Krishnamurthi, emphasized how McDonald would be a focal point in their offensive scheme. This commitment marks a significant recruiting victory for Sacramento State, which now has 16 commitments, mostly from California, with McDonald being one of the few from out-of-state. Observers noted that Sacramento State recruited McDonald the hardest, which was a decisive factor in his unexpected choice.