PULLMAN – Washington State’s football program came out on top in a recruiting battle against several Pac-12 opponents, securing an oral commitment Friday from Warren Smith – a standout prep cornerback from the Bay Area.

Smith, a product of El Cerrito (California) High, announced over Twitter that he intends to become the eighth addition to the Cougars’ 2023 class.

A three-star prospect and a top-60 cornerback in the country, according to 247Sports.com, Smith chose WSU over offers from UCLA, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Cal, along with a number of high-level Group of Five suitors.

Smith received an offer from the Cougars in February and eight other schools extended scholarship offers over the following month, but he was swayed during an official visit to WSU last week.

“My visit to Washington State was nice and what stood out was how genuine the coaches and players were,” Smith told 247Sports.

“I already had good relationships with the Washington State coaches, but meeting them in person made it 10 times better.”

Smith, at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, can match up well against taller receivers.

He also has the necessary speed if the Cougars shift him inside and cover slotbacks.

During Smith’s junior season, El Cerrito compiled a 9-3 record and won the Tri-County title before falling in the semifinal round of the North Coast Section playoffs.

Smith doubles as a wide receiver and track star at El Cerrito and was part of a 400-meter relay team that claimed gold at the NCS Meet of Champions in May.

When he signs with Washington State, Smith will be one of three El Cerrito grads on the roster.

Smith will join star cornerback Derrick Langford Jr. – who hosted Smith on the official visit, per 247Sports – and backup nickel Armauni Archie.