Michigan Wolverines signees Jacob Washington and Jasper Parker break three-decade drought with historic state championship win

The Michigan Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the nation’s best, and it is easy to see why after the performance of two of their prized commits, Jacob Washington and Jasper Parker. The duo from Archbishop Shaw High School in Louisiana capped off a dominant season by leading their program to a 28–25 victory over E.D. White in the LHSAA Division II Select State Championship on Friday.

This marked Shaw’s first state title since 1987, which marks a monumental achievement in longtime coach Hank Tierney’s second tenure at the school. Washington and Parker combined for three touchdowns and over 280 total yards.

Archbishop Shaw’s state championship was a moment of redemption for a proud program chasing glory for 37 years.

The game began with E.D. White taking control in the first quarter, but Shaw’s defense adjusted that in the second quarter to halt the Cardinals' rushing attack. After a scoreless third quarter, the game reached its turning point in the fourth when Parker broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown run down the sideline, which gave Shaw a 21–17 lead.

With four minutes remaining, Parker delivered a game-sealing drive, and his 174 rushing yards on 19 carries, including the electrifying 62-yard score, were phenomenal.

“I saw daylight and just had to turn on the jets,” Parker told NOLA.com. “I’ve just got to thank my O-line for setting it up and staying with it this game and all season.”

While Parker controlled the ground game, Jacob Washington was equally dominant through the air. The wide receiver caught eight passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He also delivered the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player honor.

“There’s no better feeling than helping my team win in a crucial moment,” Washington told NOLA.com. “After my first catch, I was able to get into a groove. It’s the Superdome, so those catches just got my adrenaline running.”

Jasper Parker opens up about reuniting with Jacob Washington at the Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines have 24 players in the 2025 class, ranking No. 9 in the nation. Rivals and Yahoo Sports recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman contacted Jasper Parker to ask about his excitement about reuniting with Jacob Washington at the Michigan Wolverines.

"I got my best friend, so you know how much excitement I had when he committed and we signed together on the same day," Parker said.

ESPN ranks Washington the No. 28 wide receiver in the 2025 class, the No. 230 prospect in the nation and the No. 5 recruit in Louisiana. Meanwhile, Jasper Parker is the No. 42 running back in the cycle and the No. 23 recruit in the state.