2026 DB Zaiden McDonald flips commitment from SU to Stanford
After choosing Syracuse in March, three-star class of 2026 defensive back Zaiden McDonald flipped his commitment to Stanford on Wednesday. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
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Three-star class of 2026 defensive back Zaiden McDonald, who committed to Syracuse in March, flipped his commitment to Stanford on Wednesday. He announced the switch on social media after McDonald’s official visit to Stanford this past weekend, per 247Sports.
At Malcolm X Shabazz High School (New Jersey), McDonald has starred on both sides of the ball. He’s made 143 total tackles, recovered two fumbles and snagged two interceptions at linebacker and safety. Offensively, McDonald has racked up 1,056 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns.
Because of his success, McDonald is rated the 15th-best class of 2026 player in New Jersey and the 52nd-best safety in the class.
When he originally committed to the Orange, McDonald chose them over Stanford and other Atlantic Coast Conference foes in Duke, North Carolina and Boston College. Now, after he finishes his last year of high school in 2025-26, he’ll join a Cardinal team that went 3-9 in 2024.
Before McDonald’s flip, Syracuse had the 15th-best 2026 class in the country, according to 247Sports. With his loss, SU slid down to No. 18, though its haul, which includes four-star recruits Amare Gough and Jarius Rodgers, is still strong.
