June 18 – PULLMAN – Washington State may have its quarterback of the future.
Steele Pizzella, a three-star quarterback from the Los Angeles area, committed to WSU on Monday, turning down offers from power conference opponents such as Georgia, Utah and Texas A&M.
Pizzella, a Class of 2025 who paid a visit to WSU over the weekend, stands out for his arm talent and athleticism, described by a 247 Sports scout as “one of the most athletic QBs in the West.”
As a junior at Notre Dame High, Pizzella completed 162 of 270 passes (60%) for 2,187 yards and 22 touchdowns, adding five scores on the ground.
The 6-foot Pizzella — who also had offers from Kansas, Minnesota, Purdue, Colorado State and Florida Atlantic — had a strong track and field season as a junior, clocking a personal best of 10.64 seconds in the 100-meter dash, and was a member of the school’s 4×100 relay team that finished fourth at state in 40.97.
Pizzella becomes the first QB in the Cougars’ 2025 class, which also features commitments from safety Jamarey Smith, a three-star prospect who announced his pledge on Sunday, and three-star wide receiver Sean Embree, a fellow Californian who shared his appointment last week.
Smith, who made his visit earlier this month, chose the Cougs over offers from San Diego State, Colorado State, Hawaii, Louisville and FCS Portland State. The 6-2 Smith, two safeties in the class alongside Colorado native Aiden Knapke, was described by a 247 Sports scout as “a versatile defensive back who can play multiple spots in the secondary. He primarily lined up as a corner for the Oaks as a junior and has the type of length and athleticism to mesh well with bigger receivers.”
As a junior, Smith totaled 57 tackles (37 solo), including two for loss. He broke up eight passes and recovered one fumble for Oaks Christian High in the Thousand Oaks area of Los Angeles.
Embree, a 6-4 wideout from Rancho Santa Margarita, south of Los Angeles, turned down offers from Air Force, Florida Atlantic and Portland State to become a Coug. He made his visit the same weekend as Smith.
In his junior year, Smith had 24 receptions in seven games for 423 yards and four touchdowns, with one long reception for 77 yards. He looks to provide the Cougars with some size at receiver.
He is the first player at that position in WSU’s 2025 class.
