Three-star to Top 50: How and why Maryland QB commit Malik Washington rose in the 2025 Top247 rankings
Malik Washington debuted in the rankings as a three-star and is now a top-50 prospect.
When players have big games or strong seasons, there are invariably questions from a given fan base are presented as to whether the player will have his ranking re-evaluated. Maryland quarterback commit Malik Washington of Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding is a shining example of it. He debuted as a three-star prospect late during his sophomore year and he is the No. 50 player in the 247Sports rankings released Wednesday.
After moving up 100 spots, he is the nation's No. 5 quarterback.
Washington's climb was steady, and it came with strong in-season performances and stellar camp outings in front various members of 247Sports' recruiting and scouting teams.
There was always intrigue with Washington because of his skill set, including playing for Team Melo on the AAU basketball circuit that kept him from doing a lot of offseason football events.
The first in-person look that was gotten of Washington came in May 2023 at the Elite 11 event in State College, Pennsylvania, and he was impressive.
"He was consistent, showed he could make throws on all three levels and was accurate," I wrote in naming him one of the event's top performers. "His delivery was compact and steady, the ball came out easy and he has plenty of room to add to his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. Washington was relaxed, positive and threw a few tear drop deep balls that were elite."
He was already a known prospect after completing 221 of 370 for 2,979 yards and 29 touchdowns (eight interceptions) during his 2022 sophomore season so he was already a known commodity but a larger swath of information needed.
That took place during his junior season as he led Archbishop Spalding to a second straight MIAA title while completing 195 of 313 passes for 2,093 yards and 21 touchdowns (nine interceptions) to go along with 204 yards rushing and six touchdowns.
"Before Washington was officially stamped as a member of the Top247 rankings, we identified him as a potential rankings riser in the fall of 2023 as he led Archbishop Spalding to their second straight MIAA Class A Championship," 247Sports scouting analyst Hudson Standish said. "As we continued to collect data and dial in our 2025 evaluations after the 2024 cycle ended, Washington debuted in the March 2024 Top247 update at No. 202, and has continued to rise in our rankings after every update. Now settling in at No. 50 overall and No. 5 among quarterbacks.
"This past offseason multiple members of the 247Sports national scouting and recruiting teams had the chance to evaluate Washington in person against his peers. Washington stacked positive performance after positive performance, setting the stage for the most important data point in our process, senior season tape."
He opened his senior season with a four-touchdown effort in a win at Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban.
"Washington's first game of the season was a matchup our scouting team had circled heading into the year," Standish said. "An away contest against one of the best teams in the state of Ohio and a fringe top 25 national program in Akron Archbishop Hoban. The four-star Maryland commit was nearly perfect in the matchup, finishing 23 of 29 for 218 yards and three touchdowns through the air to pair with four carries for 43 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
"Washington's full toolset was on display against Hoban as he thrived as an in-rhythm passer, working through his progressions while retaining the athleticism and improvisational ability that makes him one of the more special talents in the 2025 cycle.
"The highlight of the game and arguably Washington's senior season to this point was an off-balance dime with pressure in his face where he had to utilize his core strength to generate enough torque to fit the ball into a tight window with a top 100 junior cornerback trailing in man coverage.
His climb in the rankings continued in the spring after a strong Elite 11 showing. He was the No. 180 prospect in the late May rankings and he moved to No. 150 in the July rankings.
"The Maryland commit is set for his best statistical output as both a passer and a rusher this season as he looks to close out his career with a third straight state title, but beyond the box score Washington has made a noticeable jump," Standish said. "The four-star signal-caller is known to have dunk contest athleticism, but this is the first year where Washington has been confident enough in his eyes and decision-making process to pick the right moments to scramble, find a lane, or use his legs to look to push the ball down the field.
"The same confidence in his decision-making also has shown up as a passer, it's rare to see Washington panicked in the pocket as he always seems to have a solution for each problem the defense presents.
"If I had to give a quick descriptor for Washington's play style it would be that he's a natural playmaker. He operates within the structure of the offense and doesn't force the issue, but can quickly diagnose if he needs to put on the cape and make something happen based on down, distance, and the flow of the game."
Archbishop Spalding has a 14-game winning streak, is 8-0 this season and is the overwhelming favorite to win a third-straight title.
He is 29-3 as a starter.
Washington will cap his career at the All-American Bowl on Jan. 11 in San Antonio where he will showcase his skill set for the nation since the game is on NBC.
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"We will get Washington at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio for the final data point of our evaluation in January, and if he continues on his ascending trend line he could very well be in the conversation for a fifth star," Standish said. "Regardless of where he finishes in the final Top247 rankings, he has all the makings of a potentially transformative quarterback for (coach) Mike Locksley's program."
