San Diego State men’s basketball has landed its first commitment of the 2026 class, securing a verbal pledge from Notre Dame High School wing Zach White. At 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-6 and roughly 165 pounds, White chose the Aztecs over offers from Cal, New Mexico, UNLV, and Washington, among others, citing his connection with the coaching staff and his belief in the program’s winning culture.
White is coming off a strong season at Notre Dame, where he averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His team reached the CIF Southern Section Open Division final, proving he can contribute at a high level of competition.
Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and among the top 25 players in California for his class, White is not necessarily the flashiest addition, but he’s more of a glue-guy bringing both a skill set and mindset that fit neatly into the Aztecs’ identity.
What stands out most about White is his defensive mentality. Coaches and scouts consistently describe him as a player who takes pride in stopping his man, making hustle plays, and guarding multiple positions. He thrives in transition, and from what we’ve seen in his highlights uses his athleticism to finish at the rim.
His rebounding numbers also show a nose for the ball, as he competes aggressively on the glass for a player of his position. Just as importantly, White is considered a team-first athlete. He often emphasizes that winning and banners matter more than individual stats, a mentality that aligns perfectly with Brian Dutcher’s program.
Offensively, White has shown flashes as a spot-up shooter and floor spacer, giving him potential to develop into a classic three-and-D wing at the college level. As a young player however, he is likely more comfortable running the floor and scoring within the flow of the game than creating offense for himself. Expanding his shooting range and improving his ability to score off the dribble will be crucial for him to become a reliable option in the Aztecs’ half-court sets.
Physically, White’s biggest area for growth will naturally be in strength and size. At around 165 pounds, he will need to add muscle to compete against the physicality of the upcoming Pac-12 and beyond. Finishing through contact, holding his ground defensively against bigger forwards, and withstanding the grind of a college season will all improve as he continues to develop his body.
Similarly, his decision-making and playmaking will be works in progress; while he can move the ball and facilitate within the system, refining his reads against faster, more disciplined defenses will help him take the next step.
But the fit between White and San Diego State is clear though. The Aztecs have long thrived on defense, discipline, and role players who grow into major contributors. White’s willingness to embrace his role, his competitive edge, and his athletic upside suggest he could be a valuable piece of the program’s future.
You never know maybe one day the Viejas Arena PA will call out the name, Zacharrrrrrryyyyyy White—in the same familiar tone that celebrated another Aztec4Life that is celebrated with that surname. Just like the great Billie White, Bringing energy, defensive intensity, and hustle plays off the bench will be vital for Zach to make his mark on the program.
For SDSU, White’s commitment represents more than just another addition to the roster—it’s a continuation of the program’s ability to identify talent that fits the culture. In the San Diego Union-Tribune’s article this week, Zach is quoted as saying, “The banners will last forever. You’ll see those banners still up there 30 years from now. That’s more of an impact. There are no banners for scoring 30 points.”
For White, it’s a chance to develop within one of the nation’s most consistent winning environments, on a program that values toughness and selflessness.
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