Fullerton (Calif.) Troy four-star tight end Vander Ploog took his time with his official visits before making a commitment decision. On Tuesday, Ploog announced his commitment to the University of Washington, choosing the Huskies over other top programs such as SMU, Utah, Oregon, and Arizona State. This decision was heavily influenced by the strong relationships he formed with the coaching staff in Seattle.
Ploog emphasized the importance of relationships in his decision-making process. “I’m someone who’s big on relationships,” he said. “That’s always been my thing. I want to feel like I’m at home at a school. Also, I am looking at a school’s offense and the way that they see me developing and fitting into the offensive scheme.”
The staff at Washington made Ploog feel like a top priority. “I like the developmental lessons that I’ve seen from Coach Paopao,” Ploog noted. “He’s a phenomenal coach. He has coached a ton of dudes who have already played in the NFL. He’s a profound coach, so I really like the coaching there and the family culture that they create over there.”
Ploog’s commitment is a significant addition for the Huskies, who have been on a recruiting roll. He is the 10th commitment for Washington in June alone and the 15th overall for the 2025 class. This surge in commitments has propelled the Huskies into the top 25 of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, a notable improvement from barely finishing in the top 50 the previous year.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 215 pounds, Ploog is ranked as the No. 205 overall prospect and the No. 12 tight end in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His commitment further strengthens a position that has seen significant upgrades under Paopao’s guidance.
In addition to Washington, Ploog received offers from several other prominent programs, including Michigan State, Minnesota, Utah, California, SMU, Oregon, and Arizona State. He will join a talented group of tight ends at Washington, including fellow 2025 commit Baron Naone from West Linn, Oregon, and current freshmen Decker DeGraaf and Charlie Crowell.
During his junior season at Troy High School, Ploog showcased his pass-catching abilities by recording 61 receptions for 1,047 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he caught seven passes, five of which went for touchdowns. Ploog is also a three-sport athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball.
Ploog’s addition to the Huskies’ roster continues the trend of talented recruits choosing Washington, signaling a bright future for the program. With his impressive skills and strong work ethic, Ploog is poised to make a significant impact on the field for the Huskies.
