Zaiden McDonald is a 6'2", 195-pound defensive back from Newark, N.J., where he attended Malcolm X Shabazz High School under head coach Nasir Gaines. A consensus three-star recruit ranked 774th nationally, McDonald was tabbed by national outlets as the top defensive back prospect in New Jersey. During his high school career, he recorded over 200 tackles and 12 sacks, including five as a sophomore, along with two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a special teams touchdown. McDonald also caught nearly 50 passes for just under 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He earned four varsity letters in football and competed in track and field while earning four First Team All-SFC National White Division honors. Now a true freshman at Stanford, McDonald is pursuing a degree in business and economics.

Stanford2026 — present