Big Ten Programs Have Targeted Noel Washington

The four-star running back from Sherman Oaks has emerged as a top prospect for the 2028 recruiting class.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a football player in motion, captured in a gestural, painterly style. — High school standout Noel Washington has become a top target for major college programs as the 2028 recruiting cycle begins. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Noel Washington, a four-star running back at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, is drawing significant interest from major college programs. Two Big Ten universities have emerged as the frontrunners in his recruitment for the 2028 class.

Why it matters

Colleges are actively scouting local talent to secure their long-term rosters. Washington has become a key target as programs work to lock in their recruitment blueprints for the 2028 cycle.

Noel Washington holds a 4-star prospect rating. Two Big Ten programs currently lead the recruitment process for his 2028 class placement.

The players

Noel Washington

He is a four-star running back who attends Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California.

The details

Recruiters have monitored Washington by attending his high school games, including a recent appearance in Long Beach. His performance on the field has positioned him as a primary focus for programs looking to solidify their future backfields.

Washington is a member of the 2028 recruiting class.

Culture Shift

The intensified recruitment of West Coast athletes reflects the Big Ten's expansion into California-based high school recruitment. This shift highlights a departure from traditional geographic pipelines as major conferences compete for top-tier national talent.

Residents in Sherman Oaks may see increased attention from college scouts at local games. The recruitment process will likely influence which university Washington commits to as he prepares for his transition to college football.

The takeaway

Top-tier prospects in Los Angeles are increasingly being pulled into national recruitment pipelines early in their high school careers. Local student-athletes should prepare for heightened scrutiny from college programs well before their final year of eligibility.