Zamir “Bam” Paschal, a class of 2026 point guard from Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.) appears to have taken a visit to Washington on Thursday, with an offer from Danny Sprinkle’s staff following the trip, according to his Instagram.

The 6-foot-1 Paschal is one of Oregon’s top 2026 prospects. The three-star recruit is the No. 1-ranked player in Oregon according to Rivals Industry Ranking and the No. 40 point guard nationally.

Paschal is coming off a senior season that ended with a deep state-tournament run for top-seeded Central Catholic. In the 6A state semifinal win against Jesuit, he scored 19 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter — going 7-for-7 from the floor in the period, including 2-of-2 from three.

Paschal also holds offers from Portland and Portland State. In early April, Washington State, Oregon State, Sacramento State, and UNLV were showing interest.

Washington’s recruitment of Paschal is coming late in the 2026 recruiting cycle, as most 2026 commitments are in. His recruitment for the Huskies makes sense. The team needs point guard depth behind USF transfer Ryan Beasley, the Huskies’ presumptive starting point guard. The team has three remaining roster spots and is thin at point guard.

If Paschal were to commit to the Huskies, he’d be the second player to sign with Washington from the 2026 class, following Lattimore Ford’s commitment in late April.

By my count, the team has three open roster spots to fill out the 15-player limit.

Here is the depth chart as it stands (class years are for the 2026-27 season):

PG: Ryan Beasley (Sr.); B.J. Roy (So.)

SG: Wesley Yates (Jr.); Parker Friedrichsen (Sr.); Lattimore Ford (Fr.)

SF: LeJuan Watts (Sr.); Steele Venters (Sr.): Jasir Rencher (So.)

PF/C: Wini Braga (Fr.); Mady Traore (Sr.); Lathan Sommerville (Jr.); Nikola Dzepina (So.)

Washington Head Coach Danny Sprinkle is likely looking for depth at the point guard position.

Wini Braga commits to Washington

Husky fans received good news on Tuesday, as Braga’s commitment to Washington became public. Wini (pronounced “Vinny”) Braga currently plays professionally for Minas Tenis Clube in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) league. He is averaging 9.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, and 1.1 BPG, and shooting 52.4 % from the field this season.

Guilherme Tadeu, a writer for Cafe Belgrado, a Brazilian-based basketball podcast, said on X that Braga is a “light-bodied big man with above-average technical skills” that has a “soft touch around the basket.”

Braga may be the biggest offseason pickup for Washington Head Coach Danny Sprinkle. Kentucky and Georgetown were reportedly extended offers this offseason to Braga, with Texas and UConn also trying to land him in 2025.

In March, Braga starred for Brazil’s national team in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers in Miami. Braga’s play stood out among the younger generation of players participating in the qualifiers:

After playing only 10 minutes across the first window, Silva has made a statement during Window 2 with an average of 12 points per game, shooting 80 percent from the floor against Venezuela and 60 percent against Colombia.

Averaging just 13.5 minutes across windows, Silva has quickly become a go-to rotational player to make an offensive impact for Brazil, as the 6'9" forward is hard to stop in the paint.

Braga figures play a prominent role in the Huskies’ rotation next season, with a good possibility of locking down a starting spot. His professional and international experience makes him a lot more prepared than the usual incoming true freshman. Under the current NCAA rules, Braga has four years of eligibility. However, if the current “5 in 5” proposal passes, Braga would only have three years of eligibility because his 5-year clock started in 2024.

Huskies Eye Another International Prospect

Washington is also reportedly interested in 6-0 point guard Cauã Pacheco, another prospect from Brazil. Troy and Merrimack are also showing interest. Pacheco stars for Pinheiros in Brazil's NBB. He is averaging 10.2 PPG, 3.4 APG and 2.4 RPG.

What’s Left in the Transfer Portal?

Even though the transfer portal window is closed, as long as a player entered the portal while it was open, he may sign with any team after it closes. Here are six uncommitted names I’m keeping my eye on:

• Tyler Mrus, F, BYU (Jr.) — Washington showed preliminary interest in Mrus when the portal opened. He is still available and recently visited a WCC school. He is a 6-7 wing and is a Bothell-native who graduated from Seattle Prep. He shot nearly 38% from three when he was at Idaho two seasons ago.

• John Christofolis, G, Seattle U (Sr.) — The O’Dea grad received a medical waiver and will get another year of eligibility. While his numbers have steadily declined since his sophomore season at Seattle U, the hope would be that a change of scenery could return him to form when he averaged 12.7 PPG and shot 39.8 3PT % that season.

• Austin Maurer, C, Seattle U (So.) — There has been buzz around Maurer’s name and Washington, and Tuesday was the first time I saw the Huskies connected with Maurer via a reliable source. The seven-footer averaged nearly a block per game starring for the Redhawks this past season. He also averaged 7.2 PPG and 4.7 RPG.

• Ethan Copeland, G, Stetson (Jr.) — Copeland is drawing interest from Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, and Pacific. He averaged 15.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 44.1% FG, 42.9% 3FG. He tallied 20 points or more in 9 games last season.

• Elijah Duval, G, Southern Utah (Fr.) — The WAC Freshman of the Year and second-team All-WAC is one of the coveted remaining guards in the portal. He averaged 15.3 PPG and 3.6 APG and would provide a worthy competitor to Ryan Beasley for the starting point guard spot. Duval visited UAB last Sunday.

• Kalen Garry, G, South Dakota State (RS Jr.) — Washington still needs point guard depth. Garry averaged 10.7 PPG 5.2 RPG, 3.2 APG. He’s been a full-time starter for the Jackrabbits the past two seasons.

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Class of 2027 Update

• Local four-star point guard Jalen Davis, out of Bremerton is starting to collect an impressive list of offers. Both Kansas and Texas Tech offered Davis at the end of April. A recent scouting report at Babcock Hoops stated that Davis could potentially be the No. 1 point guard in the 2027 class.

• Washington remains relevant in Darius Wabbington’s recruitment. The five-star center prospect is also being pursued by powerhouse programs Purdue, Louisville, Indiana, Texas, and Arizona. Wabbington took an official visit to Washington last fall.

• Malachi Jordan, a four-star wing who stars for Dream City Christian, recently broke down his visits with Washington and Tennessee last year for Rivals.

Washington has its first offensive lineman in the 2027 class.

Reis Russell, a 3-star interior offensive lineman out of Valor Christian in Littleton, Colorado, announced his commitment to the Huskies on Monday, choosing Jedd Fisch’s program over a final group that included Florida, Georgia, Miami, Oregon and SMU. Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett reported the commitment first.

For Russell, the decision came down to relationships — particularly the ones he had built with Fisch and offensive line coach Ivan Switzer.

“This staff is awesome and I can’t wait to be a DAWG!” Russell told SeaTown Sports. “Coach Switz and Fisch are the best and I’ve built a great relationship with them in this process!”

At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Russell holds more than 30 offers from across the country and is rated as a top 10 prospect in Colorado. His official visit to Washington is scheduled for the June 19–21 weekend, a date that has been quietly stacking up as one of the most important on the Huskies’ summer board.

Russell’s recruitment had been trending in this direction for weeks. He named Washington to his top six in early February, framing the cut as a difficult one — “Each of these schools brings different stuff to the table,” he said at the time — but the pull from Montlake never let up. Switzer’s evaluation, his pitch, and the staff’s consistent presence in Russell’s process gradually turned a crowded field into a clear top of the board.

The commitment is significant for a few reasons.

First, it gives Washington its OL1 of the 2027 cycle, a critical anchor at a position the staff is rebuilding from the inside out. Interior offensive line has been a stated priority for Fisch and Switzer since they arrived in Seattle, and Russell is the kind of cornerstone you build a class around — high-end measurables, a deep offer sheet, and national-level competition for his services.

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Second, it’s a recruiting win on the talent map. Pulling a top-six target out of a field that included Georgia, Florida, and Oregon — Washington’s most direct Pacific Northwest competitor — is the kind of decision that signals where the Huskies sit in 2027 conversations. This wasn’t a recruitment Washington stumbled into. The staff was in it from the start, and they closed.

Third, it builds momentum heading into the spring and summer evaluation period. Washington’s 2027 official visit board is already loaded with offensive line targets in the program’s June 19–21 official weekend. Russell’s commitment gives the staff a young, engaged voice in the room when the rest of those visitors arrive on campus.

Russell joins a 2027 class that the Huskies have steadily been assembling, with a clear emphasis on Pacific Northwest roots, West Coast pipelines, and high-character family fits.

Now they have their offensive line cornerstone.

The Dawgs are on the board up front.

Updated - 4/30/26, 4:07 p.m. added Josh Christensen

The Washington Huskies wrap up spring practice Friday night with Dawgs After Dark, a 6:30 p.m. PT spring showcase under the lights at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. As is customary at this point in the calendar, Jedd Fisch and his staff will host a heavy contingent of recruiting visitors, headlined by their newest 2027 commit and a deep slate of in-state and regional priority targets across the 2027 and 2028 classes.

Below is a rundown of recruits confirmed by SeaTown Sports, expected to be in attendance, and a brief look at where each stands in the Huskies’ recruiting board.

Star ratings and rankings come from On3/Rivals.

Zach Albright (2027 commit, TE) — Glacier Peak HS, Snohomish, WA

6-5, 235 lbs. Three-star tight end. The newest pledge in the Huskies’ 2027 class, having committed to Washington on Monday night over offers from Michigan, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Cal, Utah, and Minnesota. Albright is a three-sport athlete at Glacier Peak — also a standout basketball player and high jumper — and has been a frequent face on Montlake throughout the past year, attending the Illinois and Oregon games last fall, March’s Junior Day, and multiple spring practices. Tight ends coach Jordan Paopao made him a recruiting priority early, and that consistency paid off. Albright is now the third in-state pledge in the 2027 class, joining Sumner WR Braylon Pope and Graham-Kapowsin CB Maurice Williams. His official visit is set for June 5.

Zerek Sidney (2027 commit, WR) — Desert Edge HS, Goodyear, AZ

6-0, 175 lbs. Four-star wide receiver. The headline-grabbing 2027 commit when he picked Washington over Oklahoma, Arizona State, USC, and Notre Dame in late January. Sidney’s connection with WRs coach Kevin Cummings goes back to a 2024 sophomore season at Desert Edge in which he caught 45 passes for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to an Arizona 5A championship. He’s the second wide receiver pledge in Washington’s 2027 class behind Pope and continues Cummings’ growing pipeline into Arizona, which previously produced current Husky wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck.

Braylon Pope (2027 commit, WR) — Sumner HS, Sumner WA

6-3, 190 lbs. Four-star wide receiver. Pope was the spark that ignited Washington’s 2027 class, becoming Jedd Fisch’s first commit for the cycle back in December. On3 rates him as the state’s No. 1 overall 2027 prospect. He helped lead Sumner to a 4A state championship over Lake Stevens at Husky Stadium. As a junior last fall, he racked up 52 receptions for 869 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings managed to keep the premier in-state talent home over offers from USC, Oregon, and Miami. His presence on campus for the spring game helps solidify his role as a peer recruit for the rest of the 2027 class.

Jeremy Adeyanju (2027 commit, RB) — Sandra Day O’Connor HS, Glendale, AZ

6-0, 215 lbs. Four-star running back. Committed in mid-March after taking a Junior Day visit on March 7. Adeyanju is the second Arizona pledge in this class. As a junior in 2024, Adeyanju ran for 1,167 yards and 15 touchdowns on 147 carries, breaking the 100-yard mark five times. RBs coach Scottie Graham was the lead recruiter and beat out Michigan, Wisconsin, USC, UCLA, and Florida among others.

Tytan McNeal (2028, TE) — Eastside Catholic HS, Sammamish, WA

6-5, 215 lbs. Four-star tight end. The No. 1 tight end in the country in the 2028 class and the top-ranked in-state recruit. McNeal already holds 25 offers and has been on a national tour this spring with visits to Cal, Michigan, and Texas. The Huskies extended an offer in 2024 and Paopao has continued to make him a priority. McNeal is also a high-major basketball recruit (he played EYBL with Seattle Rotary), so the recruitment is layered — but Washington remains squarely in the picture, with Eastside Catholic’s geographic proximity and the Paopao tight end track record working in their favor.

Ty Tautolo (2027, DL) — Lake Stevens HS, Lake Stevens, WA

6-5, 245 lbs. Three-star edge rusher. Tautolo has emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the state — earning WSFCA 4A First Team All-State honors as a junior and helping lead Lake Stevens to the 4A state championship game. He holds over 10 offers including Washington, Oregon, Cal, Kansas State, and Texas A&M. Tautolo is a top defensive line priority for coach Jason Kaufusi, and he attended last year's spring game and the UW–Colorado State opener last fall. Proximity matters here, and so does the relationship Kaufusi has been building over multiple cycles.

AJ Tuivaiave (2028, QB) — Graham-Kapowsin HS, Parkland, WA

6-4, 225 lbs. Four-star pro-style quarterback. In his sophomore season, he was named SPSL Offensive Player of the Year and was the Tacoma News Tribune’s 1st Team All-Area QB. He led his team to an 11-2 record, tallying 3029 passing yards, a 70% completion percentage, 32 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He already holds offers from Arizona State, Miami, BYU, and others, and at 14 years old, he was reportedly fielding D1 interest before he played a varsity snap. He’s the kind of homegrown talent Washington can’t afford to lose. A spring game visit is meaningful given how aggressively national programs are circling.

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Jordan Slye Jr. (2028, ATH/DB) — Salesian HS, Los Angeles, CA

6-1, 170 lbs. Two-way athlete projected as a defensive back. USC offered him as a freshman, and he’s added scholarships from UCLA, San Diego State, UNLV, Cal, and Colorado State. Slye visited USC during the March spring camp and has been working on additional west coast trips, with the UW spring game now joining that itinerary. Washington has been on him for a while; this is one of those visits where Fisch’s staff gets a chance to plant a flag before the 2028 recruitment kicks into a higher gear.

Markel Newell (2028, DB) — Puyallup HS, Puyallup, WA

5-11, 180 lbs. Athlete projected as a safety or cornerback. Holds 11 offers including Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, and Washington State. The Huskies were the first to offer, and as a local product attending a school that has produced multiple recent Power 4 commits — including UW 2026 signee Ah Deong Yang — Newell is a name to track closely as the 2028 class develops.

Mekhi Fields (2028, CB/ATH) — Rainier Beach HS, Seattle, WA

5-11, 175 lbs. Fields plays both ways and has logged starts on Rainier Beach’s varsity since his freshman year. Sacramento State has extended an offer, with regional Power 4 interest building. Like Achilles Reyna, his teammate who recently picked up a UW offer, Fields represents Washington’s continued effort to recruit from Rainier Beach.

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MyKel Ramos (2028, DB) — Sierra Canyon HS, Chatsworth, CA

6-2, 170 lbs. Three-star defensive back. Ramos transferred to Sierra Canyon after a 2025 sophomore season at Mater Dei, where he played a part in a Trinity League championship run. He told SeaTown Sports that his Washington visit is locked in for the spring game, and he holds offers from Arizona State, North Carolina, Maryland, and Colorado State, with UW’s offer dating to last June. Secondary coach John Richardson has Ramos squarely on his board as the 2028 cycle starts to take shape.

Ofa Teu Tagovailoa-Taufalele (2028, OL) — Life Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

6-3, 330 lbs. Interior offensive lineman. UW was his first Division I offer back in May 2024. His recruitment has grown steadily as he’s added size and polish. Coach Michael Switzer and the offensive line staff have been heavily involved in the local 2028 class, and Taufalele is a centerpiece of those efforts.

Michael Berardesco (2028, LB) — Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, NJ

Berardesco is a new target for the Huskies in the 2028 cycle. Berardesco received an offer from Washington in February 2025 and is making the cross-country trip for an unofficial visit to attend the spring game. He recently visited UConn in March and continues to see his recruitment expand nationally.

Nate Obasanjo (2027, LB) — Mount Rainier HS, Des Moines, WA

Obasanjo is a local linebacker on the Huskies’ radar. He made an unofficial visit to Montlake for a spring practice in early April and connected with Washington linebacker coach Brian Odom. He has official visits scheduled to Washington State and UNLV.

Gecova Doyal (2027, OL) — Puyallup HS, Puyallup, WA

6-4, 285 lbs. Offensive lineman. Doyal, a four-star recruit, is without a doubt, one of Jedd Fisch and Michael Switzer’s primary targets in the 2027 class. He is a premier in-state trench player in this cycle. After Washington’s Junior Day in March, he told On3 that he got a “great vibe” from the Washington coaching staff. He has official visits set with UCLA (May 15), Oregon (June 5), and Washington (June 19).

Luke Jennings (2028, OL) — Glacier Peak HS, Snohomish HS, WA

6-4, 290 lbs. Offensive lineman. Jennings is a promising sophomore from the in-state ranks who boasts excellent size and strength for his age. He makes the trip to Montlake alongside his Glacier Peak teammate, the newest 2027 Washington tight end commit, Zach Albright. A recent scouting report from Six Star Football highlighted his “ability to anchor effectively and control the point of attack.” Jenning is a name to monitor closely in the 2028 cycle. Friday night offers an opportunity for offensive line coach Michael Switzer to establish an early foundation for Washington in his recruitment.

Chrystian Ervin (2028, RB) — O’Dea HS, Seattle, WA

5-1, 205 lbs. Running back. Ervin is an emerging local prospect out of traditional powerhouse O’Dea High School. Keeping top-tier talent home is a priority for Jedd Fisch’s staff, and getting Ervin on campus for the spring game gives running backs coach Scottie Graham an early opportunity to build a relationship with Ervin before his recruitment kicks into high gear.

Josh Christensen (2027, EDGE) — Lake Oswego HS, Lake Oswego, OR

6-6, 250 lbs. EDGE. Christensen, a three-star edge rusher, is one of the most intriguing big-frame athletes in the Pacific Northwest. His recruitment has accelerated rapidly this spring; after visiting Washington for a spring practice in early April, he landed a Washington offer, followed shortly by an offer from the home-state Oregon Ducks. While he has already locked in June official visits to Utah, Washington State, and Northwestern, his presence at UW’s spring game allows defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi to continue building his relationship with Christensen.

Also Expected to Attend

• Lemani Fehoko (2027, DL/OL) — Junipero Serra HS, San Mateo, CA. 6-2, 270-pound trench player with 17 offers including Cal, Tennessee, Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington State. He’s set to officially visit Washington State on June 5; a UW visit Friday would be a notable get for Kaufusi and the defensive line staff in their efforts to break into the Bay Area.

We’ll have more on these visits as the weekend unfolds.

One of the top prospects in the state of Washington’s 2028 class is heading to Montlake this weekend.

Kaicen Carter, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound LB out of Federal Way High School, will take an unofficial visit to Washington on Saturday, April 26, for the Huskies’ spring practice, SeaTown Sports has learned.

Carter burst onto the recruiting scene after starring at the Avery Strong College Showcase at the University of Puget Sound, where he caught the attention of FBS programs and earned multiple scholarship offers in a single weekend. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility on both sides of the ball has made him a priority target for programs across the country.

Carter has had one of the most impressive offseasons of any underclassman in the Northwest last year, landing double-digit offers while standing out on the 7-on-7 circuit. His offer sheet includes Washington, Cal, Minnesota, ASU, Boise State, UNLV, Colorado State, Arkansas, San Diego State, Idaho, and New Mexico.

Washington holds an obvious geographical advantage with Carter playing his high school ball less than 30 miles from Montlake. Saturday’s visit gives the Huskies a chance to make a strong in-person impression on one of their top in-state targets early in the 2028 cycle.

Danny Sprinkle has officially kept a key piece of local talent at home. Lattimore Ford, a 6-6 standout from Mount Si, announced his commitment to Washington on Friday via Instagram.

The 6-6 guard is Danny Sprinkle’s first commitment — and perhaps the only — of the 2026 class. Ford has been on Washington’s radar since his sophomore season, when he received a scholarship offer in May 2024. He later took an unofficial visit to Montlake in October 2024. After that visit, he told SeaTown Sports that the coaching staff is “like a family” and praised Sprinkle’s efforts in “creating a winning culture.”

Ford is an explosive athlete who can finish above the rim in both transition and half-court. He’s also a winner. Ford helped lead Mount Si to an undefeated record and a WIAA 4A state championship in his sophomore season. He recently competed in the 2026 Northwest Shootout and helped lead Team Washington to a victory, tallying 12 points and 11 rebounds in the all-star game.

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A shot to play at Washington was no guarantee. Following a stellar sophomore campaign, Ford tore his ACL at the end of his junior season, spending the entire summer grinding through rehab. His resilience paid off when he returned to action this past January for Mount Si and helped lead the team to a fourth-place finish at the state tournament.

For Ford, the decision ultimately came back to purpose — and place. “I’ve slowly been coming to the realization that this sport, with the amount of support I get, my job has become bigger than myself,” he said. “It has come full circle that that is my reality, and I’m thankful and blessed to be in this situation.” The coaching staff’s loyalty through his injury only deepened his commitment. “Them sticking with me throughout my injury meant the world to me,” Ford said. “I owe them all the effort I can give.”

That effort, he made clear, is for the city. “I am ready to give the University of Washington my all — through injuries, illnesses, whatever unexpected events may occur,” Ford said. “Husky fans, each and every extra rep and extra hour in the gym is for you.”

Ford’s addition further stabilizes a roster undergoing an offseason rebuild. He’ll provide Washington with needed depth at the shooting guard position and will battle for minutes off the bench behind Wesley Yates.

The Huskies lost a handful of seniors to graduation and other players to the transfer portal. Ford is the fifth new player to join the Huskies this offseason, along with four players out of the transfer portal. Sprinkle and his staff now have four roster spots to fill. The Huskies remain in play for UConn transfer and local high school standout Jaylin Stewart, but it remains to be seen if Stewart will return home.

Washington Lands Venters and Friedrichsen

The Huskies jump-started their recruiting class this week with two major backcourt additions. On Sunday, Washington secured Davidson’s Parker Friedrichsen. They followed that up on Wednesday evening by landing a commitment from Gonzaga’s Steele Venters.

Parker Friedrichsen (Davidson) - Guard, 6-4

Washington’s first portal commitment of the offseason is a 6-4, 200 lb guard from Bixby, Oklahoma. Friedrichsen, who will be a senior next fall, committed to Washington following a weekend visit to Montlake. After spending two seasons at Wake Forest and one at Davidson, Friedrichsen brings valuable experience. He averaged 10.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, and 1.4 APG last season while shooting a blistering 40.5% from deep. He projects as a premier long-range threat for the Huskies.

Steele Venters (Gonzaga) - Forward, 6-7

The Huskies doubled down on shooting by securing the Ellensburg native. Venters moves across the state after a stint with the Zags and three standout seasons at Eastern Washington, where he earned Big Sky Player of the Year honors in 2023. With career averages of 11.4 PPG and a 39.6% three-point clip, Venters provides veteran leadership and elite floor-spacing on the wing.

Visit Watch: Braeden Smith Reportedly Visiting Washington

Braeden Smith (Gonzaga) - Guard, 6-0

As one former Zag just committed to Washington, another one might be right behind him. I previewed last week that Washington was likely targeting Smith after the Gonzaga guard announced entering the transfer portal. Smith, a former Seattle Prep standout and Colgate star, is visiting Washington, according to a report from 247 Sports’ Jack McCauley.

The Huskies are desperate for a floor general, and Smith fits the bill perfectly. A former Patriot League Player of the Year, he is a high-IQ distributor who would likely slide into the starting point guard spot immediately.

The Backcourt Exodus

The portal giveth, and it taketh away. Washington saw two significant departures this week:

• Zoom Diallo: The hometown hero officially signed with Kentucky on Wednesday. While losing a talent like Diallo (15.7 PPG, 4.5 APG) is a blow to the program’s local optics, the Huskies are pivoting quickly to veteran replacements.

• JJ Mandaquit: The freshman guard committed to Arizona on Monday, further thinning the returning backcourt depth.

Confirmed Targets

Guards

• Mikey Lewis, G (Saint Mary’s): After visiting Washington on Sunday, Lewis headed to Oregon. He averaged 13.9 PPG and shot 36.8% from three last season.

• Mason Williams (Iowa State): As I highlighted last weekend, it was likely that Washington had Williams on its board as soon as he entered the portal. According to the Portal Report, Washington is one of the schools showing interest in Williams. The O’Dea alum and former Eastern Washington standout is a high-priority homecoming target. Despite a hip injury last year, his 37% career three-point average makes him an ideal replacement for lost scoring.

• Gavin Sykes (Long Beach State): The Big West Freshman of the Year (19.4 PPG) is one of the most coveted scorers available .According to The Athletic’s Tobias Bass, Washington is showing interest in Sykes. He is doing Zooms with schools before setting up visits. The Huskies will obviously want to get him on campus.

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• Tijan Saine (Weber State): Before the portal opening, I highlighted Saine as a potential target for the Huskies. Washington eventually reached out to Saine last Sunday, expressing their interest in potentially bringing him back to the Northwest, where he attended Mariner High School in Everett. Saine exploded for 17.5 ppg at Weber State. He would provide immediate veteran leadership and experience to the Huskies.

• Jake Hall (New Mexico): The Mountain West Freshman of the Year is a lethal shooter, averaging 16.4 PPG on 43.8% from beyond the arc.

• Isaiah Elohim (FAU): A four-star prospect out of high school, Elohim blossmed at FAU after a stint at USC. He averaged 12.4 PPG and 4.2 RPG this past season.

• Daniel Freitag (Buffalo): Freitag exploded at Buffalo last season after transferring from Wisconsin. The 6-2 guard averaged 19.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.8 APG.

Forwards and Centers

• LeJuan Watts (Texas Tech): Watts remains a priority target for Washington after visiting the Huskies on Saturday (Apr. 11). He is a battle-tested and high-motor forward who averaged 11.8 PPG, 6 RPG, and 2.4 APG in the Big 12 last season.

• Drew Fielder, C (Boise State): A stretch-five who shot 40.9% from three last season. He is set to visit Washington following a trip to Nebraska.

• TJ Burch (Wright State): A defensive specialist and the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 12.4 PPG and led his league in steals.

• Tyler Mrus (BYU): The Huskies are looking at Tyler Mrus, a Seattle Prep graduate entering his final year of eligibility. Prior to his transfer to BYU, Mrus started 31 games at Idaho, where he averaged 9.7 PPG and shot 38% from three-point range.

• Franck Kepnang (Washington): Kepnang announced he is entering the portal on Tuesday (Apr. 14) with “the possibility of wearing the Purple and Gold one last time.”

Likely Targets

• Isaiah Watts (Maryland): The grandson of Sonics legend Slick Watts is back in the portal. After a rotational role at Maryland, the Seattle native and former WSU standout is a prime candidate to provide backcourt depth and local energy for his final year of eligibility.

Off the Board

Players Washington targeted, but have committed elsewhere or are not visiting Washington

Commitments: Zoom Diallo (Kentucky); Jaylen Petty (UCLA)

Not visiting Washington as of now: Tylen Riley (Tulsa); Cruz Davis (Hofstra); Ice Emery (Cleveland State)

We have hit the first weekend of the men’s basketball transfer portal weekend. Things are moving fast. Here’s what has happened in the first four days: Washington has had at least two on-campus visits and confirmed Zoom activity with several targets. The staff is moving. What shakes out over the rest of the transfer portal window will define Year Three under Danny Sprinkle before it even starts.

For an update on departing Huskies, head on over to our transfer portal tracker:

Here is where things stand as of this weekend.

CONFIRMED INTEREST

These are players for whom there is confirmed or credible reported interest between Washington and the player’s camp. Some are further along than others — I’ve noted where things stand for each.

LeJuan Watts | F | 6’6” | Texas Tech

Testing NBA Draft simultaneously · 1 year eligibility remaining

According to 247 Sports’ Jack McCauley, Washington hosted Watts for a visit on Saturday. Watts is the player Quincy Pondexter and the UW staff came closest to landing last spring, when he chose Texas Tech instead. He was a force at WSU, averaging 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting a blistering 42% from three.

His brother DeSean Watts transferred to Washington from Sacramento State this past football transfer portal window. The family connection, Pondexter’s pre-existing relationship, and now a reported visit — this is the most significant development of the portal window for UW fans so far.

Steele Venters | W | 6’7” | Gonzaga

Former Big Sky Player of the Year · Ellensburg, WA

According to 247 Sports’ Jack McCauley, Washington hosted Venters for a visit this weekend. will be entering his seventh year of college basketball, and he will need to win a medical waiver from the NCAA to play in 2026-27. That waiver is not guaranteed, and any program that pursues him has to budget for the possibility that it doesn’t come through.

Venters is a former Big Sky Player of the Year who averaged 15.3 PPG at Eastern Washington. After two injury-plagued years at Gonzaga, he’s looking for a fresh start. If a waiver is granted, he can be an elite 6-7 floor-spacer this roster desperately needs.

Mikey Lewis | G | 6’3” | Saint Mary’s

Two years of eligibility remaining · Oakland, CA

According to Jon Rothstein, the former four-star recruit is scheduled to visit Washington on Sunday. Lewis, a dynamic scoring guard, averaged 13.9 ppg for the Gaels, who made the NCAA tournament this past season.

Lewis was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school who chose Saint Mary’s over several high-major offers.

With the Huskies looking to replace significant production in the backcourt, Lewis offers a high-upside combination of size and scoring ability. His experience in a disciplined, winning culture like Saint Mary’s makes him a plug-and-play candidate for Danny Sprinkle’s rotation.

Drew Fielder | C | 6’11” | Boise State

One year of eligibility · Idaho-native

The most actionable name on this list right now. Fielder visited Nebraska and will visit Washington next, according to a report by Sam Kayser.

Fielder led the Mountain West in field goal percentage while shooting 40.9% from three. With Hannes Steinbach likely NBA-bound, UW has a massive vacancy in the frontcourt.

Jaylen Petty | G | 6’1” | Texas Tech

Three years of eligibility · Rainier Beach HS, Seattle

This one is personal for Dawg fans and it should be. Petty is a Seattle native — Rainier Beach High School, Washington Gatorade Player of the Year — who averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and shot 37.5% from three in 33 Big 12 games as a true freshman.

Petty is one of the most valuable young guards in the portal with significant long term upside.

As of Thursday, per a source, I was told Petty is expecting to cut his list down to three schools. I’d expect Washington to get a visit given their involvement with his recruitment coming out of high school, along with it being Petty’s hometown school.

Daniel Freitag | G | 6’2” | Buffalo

Two years of eligibility · Former 4-star recruit

Freitag is getting interest from Washington. Freitag signed with Wisconsin as a top-100 recruit, spent one year largely unused in Madison, transferred to Buffalo, and averaged 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this season — one of the MAC’s best guard performances.

A 6-2 former 4-star who erupted for nearly 20 points a night after being written off is a player worth a serious look. With Washington’s backcourt effectively starting from scratch, Freitag profiles as a legitimate option if his camp is willing to bet on a rebuilding program with a clear starting role available.

Ryan Prather Jr. | G | 6’5” | Robert Morris

At least one year of eligibility remaining · Clarksburg, MD

Prather led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio this season (4.44). He’s a smart, efficient playmaker who averaged 15.7 PPG and shot 37% from three. Prather is a reliable point guard who would address UW’s biggest position need. He is on a visit to Iowa State this weekend.

Ice Emery | G | 6’0” | Cleveland State

Horizon League Sixth Man of the Year · Appleton, WI

Emery was the Horizon League Sixth Man of the Year this past season. He averaged 12.7 PPG and provided a spark off the bench with a 38.2% clip from deep.

TJ Burch | G | 6’1” | Wright State

Two years of eligiblity remaining · Dallas, TX

Burch averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 steals this season at Wright State after starting his career at Ball State. The steals number — 2.6 per game — is the standout figure, suggesting an active, disruptive defender who can also create offense.

Isaiah Elohim | G | 6’5” | FAU

Former 4-star recruit · Multiple years of eligibility remaining

Elohim was a highly recruited prospect out of Sierra Canyon High School in California — turned down Kentucky, Kansas, and Michigan to follow Eric Musselman to USC — before transferring to FAU after limited playing time. On USC’s staff during Elohim’s freshman season was current UW assistant coach Quincy Pondexter. Though the production at FAU was modest (12.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1 apg) Elohim’s underlying profile of being a 6-5 combo guard with a legitimate recruiting pedigree is worth monitoring.

Tyler Mrus | F | 6’7” | BYU

From Bothell, WA · One year of eligibility remaining

The Pacific Northwest connection is the hook here. Mrus is a 6’7” wing from Bothell, Washington, who shot nearly 38% from three during two seasons at Idaho before transferring to BYU.

A 6-7 shooter from Bothell who has flashed legitimate three-point ability is worth a look for the Huskies.

The Homegrown Shortlist

These are players where UW is expected to be involved, or where the fit is strong enough that contact is likely if it hasn't happened already.

Legend Smiley | G | 6’5” | San Francisco

Three years of eligibility · Seattle-native

Smiley attended Garfield and won a 3A state championship there, before finishing his high school career at Link Academy. This past season he shot 42% from three in 33 WCC games as a true freshman at USF.

Braeden Smith | G | 6’0” | Gonzaga

One year of eligibility · Seattle Prep alum

Smith was Patriot League Player of the Year at Colgate — 12.5 points and a league-leading 5.6 assists per game — before transferring to Gonzaga, where he started 18 games this season and averaged 5.1 points and 3.6 assists in a diminished role.

Isaiah Watts | G | Maryland

One year of eligibility · West Seattle-native

Watts was a starter at Washington State (11 ppg) before transferring to Maryland where he appeared in 32 games for the Terapins this past season. Watts is the son of Husky legend Donald Watts Jr. and the grandson of Sonics legend Slick Watts.

Mason Williams | G | Iowa State

Missed 2025-26 season due to injury · O’Dea alum

Williams averaged 13.9 points per game in 2024-25 at Eastern Washington. He then transferred to Iowa State, where he missed this season due to injury. Williams’ local ties likely has him on Sprinkle’s radar.

The departures started last week. Sophomore guard Zoom Diallo — 15.7 points per game, a Tacoma kid who had been in the program since Sprinkle’s first day — entered the portal (keeping open the option of returning). Freshman point guard JJ Mandaquit also announced he was hitting the portal after a single year at Washington. So did freshman guard Courtland Muldrew. Add Hannes Steinbach, likely heading to the NBA Draft, a few seniors exhausting eligibility, and Sprinkle is building from close to scratch heading into Year Three of his tenure. With the core of the backcourt effectively wiped clean, Sprinkle needs bodies to survive the Big Ten next season.

The needs are not complicated to diagnose. UW needs a creator at the point of attack to replace Diallo’s ability to get to the paint. It needs perimeter shooting — a persistent weakness that Big Ten opponents exploited consistently. And it needs frontcourt size, with Steinbach likely gone. The portal window opens on April 7. Here are the seven names Sprinkle should be prioritizing when it does.

Jackson Shelstad

G · 6’1” · Oregon → Portal · 2 years eligibility (pending medical redshirt)

Shelstad is from West Linn, Oregon — he committed to the Ducks three years ago and now he’s leaving Eugene, and UW is the closest Power Four program.

Before a hand injury ended his season in late December, Shelstad was averaging 15.6 points and 4.9 assists in 12 games, on pace to be one of the best guards in the Big Ten. He led Oregon to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, and is applying for a medical redshirt that, if granted, gives him two years remaining. 247Sports ranks him No. 8 in the portal.

He solves both backcourt losses simultaneously — Diallo’s scoring, Mandaquit’s playmaking. Every program with a guard need will give him and his representatives a call. Sprinkle needs to call first.

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Terrence Hill Jr.

G · 6’3” · VCU → Portal · 2 years eligibility

The one detail worth knowing about Hill is that Sprinkle recruited him at Utah State. When Sprinkle left for Washington in 2024, Hill reopened his recruitment and followed coach Ryan Odom to VCU instead. Now Hill is back on the market. Sprinkle gets a second chance.

This season Hill averaged 15.0 points per game on 46.6% from the field and 37% from three coming off the bench — earning First Team All-A10, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and A10 Tournament MVP. Then March happened: 34 points against North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament, 7-of-10 from three, including the go-ahead three in the final minute of a 19-point comeback win in overtime. He is a Portland native fromRoosevelt High School, 45 minutes from the Washington border.

Hill has two years of eligibility and would bring first Team all-conference production to the Huskies.

Legend Smiley

G · 6’5” · San Francisco → Portal · 3 years eligibility

Could Smiley return home? The 6-5 guard went to Garfield High School in Seattle’s Central District. There, he won a 3A state championship as a sophomore and was named tournament MVP. For his senior year, Smiley left for Link Academy in Missouri and signed with USF as a four-star recruit.

In 33 WCC games as a true freshman, Smiley shot 42% from three and averaged 8.1 points per game. UW’s perimeter shooting was a problem this season. Sprinkle has a hometown pitch no other program on the market can make.

Tyrone Riley IV

G/W · 6’6” · San Francisco → Portal · 2 years eligibility

The more proven of the two USF guards available, Riley earned Second Team All-WCC honors after posting 12.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 47.2% from the field. Riley would fill the perimeter scoring void Diallo leaves — Riley at 6-6 can create off the dribble, defend multiple positions, and produce in a featured role.

Tijan Saine Jr.

G · 5’10” · Weber State → Portal · 2 years eligibility

Saine is an intruging name for the Huskies. The 5-10 guard is from Everett, Washington — 25 miles north of Seattle. He walked on at Division II Western Washington with no scholarship, averaged 17.3 points and 4.0 assists as a sophomore, and Portal Report ranked him the No. 6 D-II transfer in the country.

At Weber State in his first D-I season, he led the Big Sky in conference-play scoring at 20.8 points per game and earned First Team All-Big Sky. Sprinkle’s staff tracked him throughout. He has at least two years of eligibility remaining. The competitive trajectory — walk-on to All-Conference in one D-I season — reflects a player who finds ways to make it work. He may bethe most achievable name on this list, and the one where UW has a edge.

Andrew Meadow

F · 6’7” · Boise State → Portal · 1 year eligibility

Meadow started every game for Boise State this season, averaging 12.1 points on 51% from the field and 38.6% from three in the Mountain West, scoring in double figures in his final six consecutive games.

He is a one-year rental, and programs will factor that in. But for a team that needs frontcourt spacing immediately and has Andrew Meadow available at 6-7 shooting 38.6% from three, the fit is clean.

LeJuan Watts

F · 6’6” · Texas Tech → Portal · 1 year eligibility (confirm) · Testing NBA Draft

The caveat first: Watts is simultaneously testing the NBA Draft. Return to college is the expected outcome given his 2025-26 numbers, but nothing is confirmed. If he comes back, UW’s positioning is as strong as any program in the field.

Washington assistant coach Quincy Pondexter led UW’s recruitment of Watts out of WSU last spring. Watts’ best college season came at WSU: 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, shooting 55% from the field and 42% from three. The Texas Tech year was a regression — 32.1% from three in the Big 12 — but the underlying profile of a versatile 6-6 forward who can pass, rebound, and shoot remains intact. His brother DeSean Watts is a current UW football player, transferred from Sac State. The family connection, the Pondexter relationship, and the Big Ten platform are a coherent pitch.

ALSO WATCHING

• Joel Foxwell — Portland 15.6 PPG and 6.5 APG as a WCC freshman. If Shelstad goes elsewhere, Foxwell is the next call at point guard. Four years of eligibility.

• Isaiah Johnson — Colorado Broke Colorado’s freshman single-season scoring record tallying 540 total points and averaging 16.9 PPG in the Big 12. The highest-upside guard in the portal, and likely one of the most expensive.

• Kyle Evans — UC Irvine Led the nation in blocks at 3.3 per game. Big West Defensive Player of the Year.

• Keanu Dawes — Utah 6-9 forward, 12.5 PPG and 8.8 RPG in the Big 12. At least one year of eligibility.

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Most recent update: LeJuan Watts Commits to Washington (Apr. 22)

I will be tracking outgoing and incoming transfers for the University of Washington men’s basketball program. This will be a living article, updated throughout the transfer portal window.

There will inevitably be some defections and also some additions. The Huskies will lose Quimari Peterson, Desmond Claude, and Jacob Ognacevic to graduation. The team will likely also see Hannes Steinbach leave for the NBA draft.

The portal opens on Tuesday, April 7, the day after the national championship. As of now, the only players who can officially enter the portal are those at schools who have had a coaching change. Despite this, many players are announcing their intent to enter the portal once it opens, which is why this tracker is live before April 7.

This is the only time you’ll receive this post as an email; I’ll update the website version with each portal entry or addition, so feel free to bookmark it.

Transfers in

G Parker Friedrichsen (Apr. 13)

Washington’s first portal commitment this offseason is a 6-4, 200-lb guard from Bixby, Oklahoma. Friedrichsen, who will be a senior next fall, committed to Washington after completing a weekend visit to Montlake. Friedrichsen spent two seasons at Wake Forest before spending this past season at Davidson. At Davidson, Friedrichsen averaged 10.8 ppg, 2.5 4 rpg, and 1.4 ast per game. He projects as a long-range shooter off the bench for the Huskies. This past season, he shot 40.5 percent from deep.

F Steele Venters (Apr. 15)

The Huskies secured a commitment from another sharpshooter. The 6-7, 200-lb Ellensburg, Washington native moves across the state from Gonzaga. Before his stint with the Zags, Venters played three seasons at Eastern Washington. He earned Big Sky Player of the Year honors in 2023. In his career, Venters has averaged 11.4 points per game and shot 39.6% from three-point range. After serving in a rotational role at Gonzaga, Venters will bring to Montlake veteran leadership and a reliable three-point wing shooter.

G Ryan Beasley (Apr. 20)

Danny Sprinkle may have his starting point guard. Beasley, a 5-11, 180-lb USF transfer, is on an upward trajectory. The rising senior will plug a hole left by the departures of JJ Mandaquit and Zoom Diallo. He appeared in 90 games in three seasons for the Dons, and was the team’s starting point guard this past season. Beasley earned Second Team All-WCC honors, averaging 13.6 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.2 steals. He shot 40.7 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from beyond the arc.

F LeJuan Watts (Apr. 22)

Washington likely landed its biggest transfer portal commitment of the cycle when Texas Tech forward LeJuan Watts made his pledge to the Huskies. Watts, the older brother of Washington football player DeSean Watts, is a versatile rising senior who can score, rebound, and facilitate out of the low post. He is undersized at 6-6 at the pure power forward position, but depending on how the lineup and opposing lineups shake out, Sprinkle can choose to play him at the 3 as well. He averaged 11.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.2 APG for a Texas Tech team competing in the Big 12. He is a sure-fire starter for the Huskies.

Transfers out

G Courtland Muldrew (Mar. 31)

The freshman guard out of Texas will move on from the Huskies after appearing in 20 games, primarily off the bench. His production took off near the end of the season after his playing time increased due to a rash of injuries that Washington suffered. He scored 8 or more points in the team’s final four games. With his departure, Washington’s backcourt depth has taken a hit, and the staff will look to find a replacement for him in the portal.

G JJ Mandaquit (Apr. 3)

The freshman point guard from Hilo, Hawaii will move on after a season defined by flashes of promise and the cruelty of injury. Mandaquit appeared in 22 games and made six starts, averaging 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 19.7 minutes per game — showing early why Sprinkle was excited about him, including a season-high 15 points on three threes against No. 4 Michigan in January. But the foot injury he’d been managing all season caught up with him: after re-aggravating it on a Midwest road trip, he underwent surgery in New York and never returned, with his last game coming against Northwestern on Jan. 31. A three-time gold medalist with the United States Junior National Team and a consensus four-star recruit ranked No. 50 overall in his class , the talent was never the question. His departure leaves Washington without a natural floor general heading into a portal window where finding one will be among Sprinkle’s most pressing needs.

(UPDATE, Apr. 13: Mandaquit is committing to Arizona, according to his agency Roc Nation Sports)

G Zoom Diallo (Apr. 3)

The Huskies’ best player not named Hannes Steinbach is testing the market. Diallo, who averaged 15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a sophomore, enters the portal with the option to return to Washington — making this one to watch rather than a clean departure. The 6-foot-4 guard was the engine of the Huskies’ backcourt this season, and his decision will go a long way toward shaping what this roster looks like in 2026-27. If he stays, Sprinkle has a foundation to build around. If he doesn’t, Washington loses its most dynamic backcourt piece at a time when the program can least afford it.

(UPDATE, Apr. 15: Diallo is committing to Kentucky, according to multiple reports)

G Desmond Claude (Apr. 12)

Pete Nakos from On3 reports that Claude has entered the transfer portal. Claude left Washington in January, so this does not materially change anything for the Huskies as he was not expected to return next season. Claude is seeking a medical hardship waiver for a fifth and final season. Before leaving the team in January, he averaged 13.3 points per game and was one of the team’s primary scorers.

C Franck Kepnang (Apr. 14)

Kepnang announced on X that he is entering the portal with “the possibility of wearing the Purple and Gold one last time.” Kepnang just concluded his fourth season at Washington, after previously transferring to the program after spending two seasons at Oregon. His post states that he is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining. Wherever he ends up, he’ll be playing his seventh season of college basketball. Sprinkle has yet another hole to fill in the front court.

Four-star defensive lineman Jon Ioane has committed to the University of Washington, he announced Thursday on the CBS Sports College Football YouTube channel. The Tustin, California standout chose the Huskies over Cal, Penn State, Stanford, and UCLA, giving Jedd Fisch and defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi one of the top trench talents in the 2027 class.

Ioane reflected on the journey that led to his decision. “Man it’s been exciting these past couple years, it’s really been a blessing to be where I’m at today with all these amazing opportunities,” Ioane told SeaTown Sports. “Me and my family had long days and conversations about this decision, but it honestly came down to what I truly thought was the best move for me.”

For Ioane, Washington was that move — and had been for a while. “Luckily for me there was no bad opportunity but [Washington] definitely [ ] stood out for me for a while,” he said. “[Washington] really feels like a family to me and I really think I can add to that and be a part of what they have.”

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Ioane is one of the most versatile linemen in the 2027 class. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound prospect out of Tustin High School in Southern California has played defensive tackle, offensive line, tight end, and even quarterback during his high school career. He picked up his first scholarship offer from Jedd Fisch’s Arizona staff when he was an eighth grader and has since accumulated more than twenty offers from programs across the country.

After missing his entire freshman season with a knee injury, Ioane bounced back as a sophomore with a dominant campaign: 52 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and a pass breakup across 11 games. He even lined up under center, throwing for 475 yards and seven touchdowns. His junior season only solidified his standing as one of the premier trench talents on the West Coast.

Ioane narrowed his recruitment to a final five of Cal, Penn State, Stanford, UCLA, and Washington before making his decision Thursday.

Washington’s Relentless Pursuit

Washington’s recruitment of Ioane has been one of the most consistent and aggressive pushes in the 2027 cycle. The Huskies offered Ioane on May 10, 2024 — his second reported scholarship offer — and never let up. By December 2025, when Ioane released a top 10, he acknowledged the Huskies’ intensity publicly.

Ioane visited Washington for the Huskies’ game against Ohio State in September 2025. Then, in January, the entire defensive staff, led by Washington Defensive Line Coach Jason Kaufusi, made the trip down to Tustin to visit Ioane at his high school. A few days later Ioane made an unofficial visit to Washington while in town for a Seattle Seahawks game. “[It] was a great time, [I] got to tour the place again and show my brothers around, and had some good talk about my recruiting process for them and what they kinda see me as.”

Ioane returned for UW’s Junior Day in early March and came away glowing about the experience. “Man I loved it, the place is beautiful, had a great time with the staff and had a good time seeing some of my boys up there,” Ioane told SeaTown Sports after the visit. “It was definitely cool to meet and talk to everyone again, just love how everyone there is truly a family and they play for each other with all the same goal. I’m a big fan of the people in the building.”

Kaufusi has been the driving force behind this recruitment from the beginning, and the relationship between the two has been a defining factor throughout Ioane’s process.

What Ioane Brings to the Huskies

At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Ioane profiles as an interior disruptor who can anchor the nose or slide to the three-technique. His versatility — having played both sides of the ball and even quarterback — speaks to his overall athleticism and football IQ.

Ioane joins a 2027 defensive line haul that already includes three-star EDGE/DL Matamatagi Uiagalelei out of Mater Dei, with four-star DL Tevita Nonu of O’Dea in Seattle also scheduled for an official visit June 5–7. Ioane’s commitment signals that Kaufusi is delivering on the defensive front.

Ioane left no doubt about what the Husky faithful can expect from him. “I’m go[ing to] give my all and make sure we can build something special for sure! They are go[ing] get a dawg out of me for sure!!!” he said. “And a message for the fans, I’m ready to give it my all and help make that jump to win a national championship! Let’s get it!”

What’s Next

Ioane has an official visit to Washington scheduled for the June 5–7 weekend, where he will join several other top 2027 targets on Montlake. With the commitment now in hand, that weekend will serve as an opportunity for Ioane to further cement his bond with the coaching staff, meet future teammates, and potentially play a role in recruiting other top prospects to Washington.

Washington’s 2027 class continues to build momentum under Fisch, and landing Ioane is a statement win for the Huskies on the recruiting trail.

Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies are entering a critical recruiting period, not just for the 2027 recruiting class, but the 2028 class as well. Washington has offered several prospects dating back to the summer of 2024, but the next step is getting recruits on Montlake. None of the prospects in this notebook has yet made the trip to Seattle, making the upcoming spring and summer visit recruiting period pivotal for the program’s recruiting pipeline. Here’s the latest intel directly from the recruits.

2027 Recruits

Da’Jon Talley-Rhodes | RB | 3-star | St. John’s College (DC) Offered by Washington in October 2024, Talley-Rhodes has developed a strong relationship with Huskies RB coach Scottie Graham since. He has not yet visited Montlake, but is working on locking in a trip. In the meantime, he tells me Indiana (3/28) and Penn State (4/4) are already on the books.

Rashuan Lavata’i | OT | 3-star | Curtis (WA) Lavata’i received an offer from Washington last week after a call with Washington OL coach Michael Switzer. He tells me he has an official visit set to Washington State for May 29-31. He will then take an official visit to Oregon State in early June. Officials with UCLA and San Diego State are also in the works.

Blake Wong| WR | 4-star | Norco (CA) Wong is in the middle of a busy recruitment. Washington extended an offer in January, but the Huskies aren't yet among the schools recruiting him hardest — that group currently includes Oregon, UCLA, Utah, Ohio State, BYU, Purdue, Duke, and Washington State. Wong tells me he just visited UCLA, BYU, and Oregon this past week, with Ohio State (4/1) and Utah (4/11) on deck. He's also working to get to Purdue, Duke, and Wazzu at some point. Relationship and trust with the coaching staff, playing style, and academics and post-football networking will be the biggest factors in his decision. He plans to decide the week after his final official visit.

Caden Jones| QB | 4-star | Crean Lutheran (CA) Jones is one of the more unique recruits on Washington's board — the Huskies want him for both football and basketball. Jones holds offers in both sports from UW dating back to June 2024. On the basketball side, coach Danny Sprinkle visited him this past Monday. On the football front, Jedd Fisch and staff have been in heavy pursuit — Jones has Washington in his top seven schools.

2028 Recruits

Dennis Tua’one | ATH | 4-star | Timpview (UT) Tua’one will have a busy visit run coming up. He’s already been to BYU (3/2). He is set to visit Georgia (3/31), Auburn (4/2), Miami (4/7), Penn State (4/9), and Utah (4/14). Tua’one tells us he’s looking to finalize his June camp schedule and is hoping to get to Washington’s summer camp as well as a Miami camp that month. Tua’one received an offer from Washington this past January.

Ayden Edwards | QB | 3-star | Tustin (CA) Offered by Washington in January 2025, Edwards has not yet made it to Seattle. He tells me trips to Minnesota, Virginia Tech, and Oregon are currently in the plans for this spring, with more visits still being sorted out.

Asher Ghioto | DL | 4-star | Bolles School (FL) Washington extended an offer to Ghioto in the summer of 2024, but a Montlake visit has yet to materialize. He tells us he’s already been to Clemson and Florida, with Ohio State, Georgia, Miami, Auburn, and Florida State all on his spring schedule. Notre Dame is a possibility as well. No Washington visit is currently in the plans.

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Darren “DJ” Tubbs | WR | 3-star | St. John Bosco (CA) One of Washington’s earliest offers in this group — Tubbs picked up his UW offer following a camp on Montlake in June 2024 — the St. John Bosco wideout has yet to return for an unofficial visit. He tells us Washington, Oregon, Arizona State, and UCLA are all on his spring visit radar, though specific dates have yet to be finalized.

Jackson Vaughn | EDGE | 4-star | Bergen Catholic (NJ) Washington holds an offer for Vaughn, though he has yet to make the trip out west. He tells me a packed spring schedule is ahead: Notre Dame (3/21), Texas A&M (3/28), Miami (4/2), Alabama (4/7), California (4/11), Duke (4/14), and Penn State (4/25). Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, Auburn, and Tennessee are also in the mix for summer visits.

Michael Berardesco | LB | Don Bosco Prep (NJ) Washington is on Berardesco’s radar early. He tells me Fisch visited him at school this winter, and a trip to Montlake is on his list, though no date is set yet. He plans to get out to several schools this spring and summer.

Chase Curren | QB | 3-star | Crespi (CA) Offered by Washington in January 2025, Curren has yet to visit Seattle. He tells us he was at West Virginia last weekend, with Cal coming up this Wednesday (3/18) and Miami on tap for 3/28. Additional visits during spring break are possible, but not yet finalized.

Markel Newell | S | Puyallup (WA) The 5-11, 180-pound in-state safety will be on Montlake for Washington’s Dawgs After Dark Spring Game on May 1, he tells us. Newell would be one of the early 2028 prospects to get a look at the program under Fisch.

Brandon Nash | S | 3-star | St. John Bosco (CA) Nash has an unofficial visit set to Washington on April 25th. Before that visit, he will visit Cal this Friday (3/20), Ohio State (3/27), and Oklahoma (4/18). He is looking to set visits up in June as well.

Titus Huard| QB | 3-star | Valor Christian (CO) The Husky legacy recruit has a packed April visit schedule taking shape. He tells me trips to SMU (4/3), Arkansas (4/4), Kansas State (4/9), Texas Tech (4/11), and Oregon (4/16 or 4/18) are all in the plans, with a drive up to Colorado for a Buffs spring practice also on the agenda. As for Washington, Huard says a spring practice visit sometime in April is a possibility, though nothing is locked in yet.

Three-star running back Jeremy Adeyanju of Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Arizona, committed to the University of Washington on Sunday, giving the Huskies one of the top offensive backfield pledges in their 2027 class.

Adeyanju is ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the state of Arizona in the 2027 cycle per the Rivals Industry Ranking. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, he profiles as a physical yet versatile back capable of running between the tackles and creating big plays in space.

The commitment came one week after Adeyanju attended UW’s Junior Day on March 8. It was there, he says, that Washington separated itself.

The moment I really knew that UW was the right fit was going to Junior Day and talking to the players, seeing how they treated everyone and how happy they looked,” Adeyanju said. “That’s when I knew this was the right place to be.

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Washington running backs coach Scottie Graham has been the primary recruiter on Adeyanju since extending an offer on January 20, 2026. Graham’s pitch — and the culture Adeyanju witnessed firsthand on Montlake — ultimately proved more compelling than a strong offer sheet that included Arizona State, USC, Florida, Michigan, and others.

After Junior Day, Adeyanju made an unofficial visit to USC, a visit that was publicly reported. Washington held firm. He announced his commitment on Sunday.

Adeyanju describes his game as a blend of physicality and speed — a back who can lower his shoulder but also separate from defenders in the open field.

“The role I see myself [in] is a RB that’s physical but also has the speed to run away from defenders,” he said.

With the commitment now in hand, Adeyanju is still scheduled for an official visit to Washington on May 29–31, which will give him a chance to experience the program in a more formal setting ahead of signing day.

Washington’s 2027 class continues to take shape under head coach Jedd Fisch, and Adeyanju’s commitment adds a high-upside skill position prospect to a class that is quickly building momentum.

The Washington Huskies football program welcomed a strong group of national prospects to Montlake over the weekend as head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff hosted “Dawghouse Weekend,” one of the program’s major early-cycle recruiting events.

Multiple four-star prospects, a five-star offensive lineman, and several committed players in the 2027 class were in attendance as Washington continues building relationships ahead of the spring evaluation period and summer official visit season.

From quarterback to the trenches, the Huskies hosted talent from across the country — and several recruits left Montlake impressed with the staff’s approach to development and culture. Below is the latest reaction and intel from this weekend’s recruiting event. More to come.

Five-Star OL Oluwasemilore Olubobola Highlights National Visitor List

Five-star offensive lineman Oluwasemilore Olubobola — the nation’s No. 2-ranked offensive tackle in the 2027 class per 247 Sports — was among the most notable visitors.

The St. Peter’s Prep (New Jersey) standout said Washington’s staff left a strong impression.

“What stood out most to me about the visit was how informed and detailed the entire staff was,” Olubobola told SeaTown Sports. “I really felt comfortable with the staff.”

Olubobola is planning an extensive spring visit schedule that includes stops at Penn State, Florida, LSU, Texas A&M, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio State, and Georgia Tech. However, Washington remains firmly in the mix as he plans to return to campus.

Lincoln Mageo Highlights Offensive Line Development

Four-star offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo of Oceanside (CA) also made the trip to Montlake and came away impressed with Washington’s offensive line coaching staff.

Mageo said the opportunity to sit in on meetings with offensive line coach Michael Switzer stood out most during the visit.

“Really good visit,” Mageo told SeaTown Sports. “Coach Switz stood out to me because of the way he teaches and coaches up the O-line.”

The chance to watch film and spend time with other offensive line recruits made an impact.

“Being in the O-line room with the other guys and watching film breakdown and listening to Coach Switz was my favorite part of this trip.”

Mageo also noted the attention recruits received from the coaching staff throughout the weekend.

“Coach Pao was always checking in with us,” Mageo said. “I also saw Ez, which was cool. It was nice talking to him and hearing how much he likes it here.”

Quarterback Target Blake Roskopf Takes In Montlake Atmosphere

Four-star quarterback Blake Roskopf of Desert Edge High School (AZ) was one of the signal-callers in attendance.

Roskopf spent time meeting with Fisch and quarterbacks coach JP Losman during the visit.

“The energy around the building stood out to me a lot,” Roskopf said. “And getting to sit down with Coach Fisch and Coach Losman was really good.”

Roskopf added that no immediate return visit is scheduled yet, though that could change as his recruitment continues.

Washington also hosted three-star quarterback Brody Rudnicki of Folsom High School (CA).

Rudnicki said Washington’s offensive system stood out during his visit.

“What impressed me most was the offense that they run and how it’s similar to so many NFL teams,” Rudnicki told SeaTown Sports.

Rounding out the 2027 QB targets, four-star quarterback Sione Kaho from Lincoln High School in Tacoma (WA) made it to Montlake on Sunday to connect with the coaches.

Washington also hosted younger quarterbacks during the weekend, including 2028 quarterback Grayer Hong.

Hong said the personal attention from the coaching staff made the visit memorable.

“What stood out the most to me is how important it was to the coaches to take time to meet with me one-on-one,” Hong said. “I got to strengthen my relationship with some coaches and build new ones with great people.”

Hong also noted the program’s emphasis on academics.

“It also stood out to me the emphasis on academics at UW, which is great to hear from coaches.”

Another underclassman visitor was 2029 quarterback Wyatt Jewell.

“The things that stood out to me the most was the culture and the commitment the staff had to players and winning a national championship,” Jewell said. “I definitely plan to get back to campus soon.”

Defensive Line Emphasis Continues with Tevita Nonu

Washington’s defensive front continues to be a major focus in the 2027 class, and four-star defensive lineman Tevita Nonu of O’Dea High School was among the in-state prospects on campus.

The 6-foot-3 defensive lineman said the overall atmosphere during Dawghouse Weekend stood out.

“It was all great. Everyone was welcoming and very nice,” Nonu said. “Just overall a great experience. I met with players too and they were amazing.”

Nonu helped lead O’Dea to a state championship and remains one of the top in-state priorities for the Huskies in the 2027 cycle.

Four-star edge rusher Zane Rowe (Denton Guyer - TX) also spent the weekend in Montlake and said the program’s attention to detail stood out during the visit.

“What stood out was how detailed everything was — from the nutrition, training and how detailed the coaches are when they coach their players,” Rowe told SeaTown Sports.

Four-star defensive lineman Jon Ioane of Tustin High School was among the notable visitors and said the atmosphere on campus stood out.

“Man I loved it,” Ioane said. “The place is beautiful. I had a great time with the staff and seeing some of my boys up there.”

Ioane said the culture inside the program made an impression.

“I love how everyone there is truly a family and they play for each other with the same goal. I’m a big fan of the people in the building and I can definitely see myself coming back up to check it out again.”

Three-star edge rusher Josh Christensen of Lake Oswego High School (OR) was another defensive front visitor. Christensen said his meetings with the coaching staff stood out most.

“The visit over the weekend went great,” Christensen said. “What stood out to me most was meeting with the staff and learning how they teach their defensive linemen.”

Another underclassman defensive prospect on campus was 2028 four-star defensive lineman Kingston Brown.

“What stood out the most to me was Coach Kaufusi and the energy he brings to the program,” Brown said. “You could feel the energy from everyone — from the staff to the players.”

Brown added that the visit left a strong impression.

“Being able to spend time there and learn more about the program meant a lot. I look forward to hopefully getting back up there sometime during the fall.”

OL Reis Russell Praises Staff Development

Four-star offensive lineman Reis Russell also made a return visit to Montlake and came away impressed with Washington’s coaching staff.

“Really had a great time. Love this staff so much,” Russell said. “Great people with big goals and they can make it happen.”

Russell pointed specifically to Washington’s emphasis on player development.

“The way they teach and develop is so special. The culture here is just different in a great way. Talking with Coach Fisch and Switzer gets me fired up about this program and what they plan to do.”

Lincoln Mageo Highlights Development in Offensive Line Room

Four-star offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo of Oceanside (CA) also made the trip to Montlake.

Mageo said sitting in on offensive line meetings with coach Michael Switzer was a highlight.

“Really good visit,” Mageo said. “Coach Switz stood out to me because of the way he teaches and coaches up the O-line.”

Mageo said the opportunity to watch film and spend time with other offensive line recruits made an impact.

“Being in the O-line room with the other guys and watching film breakdown and listening to Coach Switz was my favorite part of this trip.”

Mageo also pointed to Washington’s willingness to play young players.

“They’re all about development and they’re not afraid to play true freshmen if they’re ready to go,” Mageo said. “They play the best — and if it’s a true freshman then they run with it.”

Defensive Back Ryan Wooten Jr. Notes Coaching Experience

Three-star defensive back Ryan Wooten Jr. traveled from New Jersey to attend Dawghouse Weekend.

The St. Peter’s Prep standout said the experience level of Washington’s staff caught his attention.

“The staff at Washington really showed a lot of love and everything felt genuine during Dawghouse Weekend,” Wooten said.

“What stood out most is the level of experience they have. Some of the coaches have been elite players themselves and a lot of them have coached at the highest level, including in the NFL.”

Wooten said he plans to return to the West Coast later in the recruiting process.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back out on the West Coast to visit again.”

He also has upcoming visits planned to UCLA, Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest.

Four-star safeties Isala Aisa Wily-Ava of St. John Bosco High School and Malakai Taufoou of Junípero Serra (CA) made it to Montlake this weekend.

Taufoou said the attention he received from the coaching staff stood out during the visit.

“Something that stood out is that they showed lots of love,” Taufoou told SeaTown Sports. “When I met with Coach Fisch he let me know I was a priority, which meant a lot to me and my family.”

Taufoou already has several visits planned this spring as his recruitment continues to expand nationally.

“I will be at Oregon, Penn State, Cal and UCLA for spring so far,” he said. “I also have official visits with Washington, Penn State and Cal scheduled for June.”

Wily-Ava said the coaching staff’s experience stood out during the visit.

“What stood out is the coaching chemistry and all the experiences each coach has,” Wily-Ava said. “That’s what has made UW a great team.”

He said many conversations centered around long-term development.

“A lot of conversations I had were really about how UW and each of these coaches can help me reach my full potential and goals.”

Four-star safety Wily-Ava has also scheduled an official visit to Washington in June as the Huskies continue building momentum with the Southern California defensive back.

Linebacker Isaiah Leilua Impressed with Program Culture

Three-star linebacker Isaiah Leilua of Servite High School (CA) also attended Dawghouse Weekend.

Leilua said Washington’s culture stood out.

“What stood out most was the family atmosphere and that it’s not something they just try to sell,” Leilua said.

He also pointed to Washington’s emphasis on life beyond football.

“Their players program on how to apply their degree shows they are the whole package — not just football.”

Huskies Commit Zerek Sidney Helping Recruit

Washington four-star wide receiver commit Zerek Sidney was also in attendance and spent the weekend helping recruit other visitors.

Sidney said the event provided an opportunity to connect with both coaches and fellow prospects.

“The weekend was great. I had a lot of fun with the coaches and some other top players in the nation,” Sidney said.

“It was fun seeing some of my high school teammates there. I’m just pushing to get everyone to UW.”

2028 Five-Star TE Tytan McNeal Continues Building Relationship

One of the younger prospects on campus was 2028 five-star tight end Tytan McNeal of Eastside Catholic.

Despite being a recruiting cycle away from signing day, McNeal continues to build a relationship with Washington’s staff.

“Always good being on campus and learning from Coach Pao,” McNeal said. “The thing that stood out most is their commitment to development, which is most important to me.”

Recruiting Outlook

Junior Day events rarely produce immediate commitments, but they often help programs establish early positioning with priority targets.

For Washington, Dawghouse Weekend served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships across multiple position groups while showcasing the program’s vision under Fisch.

With spring practices approaching and official visit season beginning in June, several of the recruits who visited Montlake this weekend could return to campus later this year as their recruitments continue to develop.

When Washington’s Director of Recruiting Marcus Griffin extended an invitation to Lake Oswego edge rusher Josh Christensen for Dawghouse Weekend, it wasn’t a formality. It was a statement. The Huskies don’t hand out Junior Day invites indiscriminately, and for a prospect who jumped from promising youngster to one of Oregon’s most dominant players in the trenches over the past year, the timing of Washington’s outreach makes a lot of sense.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete out of Lake Oswego High School has been steadily building one of the more compelling recruiting profiles in the 2027 class. He currently ranks fourth among all 2027 prospects in the state of Oregon — a ranking that reflects both his physical tools and the trajectory he’s on heading into what figures to be a pivotal senior season. Several programs have extended offers, including Northwestern and Boise State, and the expectation is that his offer list will continue to grow.

Washington does not yet have an offer on the table for Christensen — but Saturday’s visit is exactly the kind of moment that changes that math.

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Christensen’s Interest In Washington

Christensen was candid about where things stand with the Huskies when reached ahead of the weekend. He described genuine enthusiasm about the invite, pointing specifically to UW’s defensive line staff as a key draw.

“I was really excited about the invite,” Christensen said. “I really like the D-Line staff and Coach Kaufusi. I’m really excited to be back on campus.”

Christensen also framed Washington’s profile in broader terms that speak to what he values in a program. “UW is one of the best programs in the nation,” he said, “and it being close to home makes it high on my list of programs.” The proximity factor is something Husky recruiters have leaned on heavily with in-state and regional prospects, and for a Lake Oswego kid, playing at Washington offers a chance to stay close to family.

What He’s Looking For — And Why UW Fits the Profile

Beyond the geography, Christensen outlined a clear set of priorities that he’ll be evaluating this weekend. He’s not just looking for a school — he’s looking for an environment.

“I wan[t] to spend time with the staff and on campus,” he said. “I wan[t] get a feel for the program and environment of the team. I want a program that continues to develop players through college and beyond. I want to have really close relationships with the players and staff.”

That checklist maps well onto what Jedd Fisch and his staff have been selling to recruits since arriving in Seattle. Fisch has made player development a centerpiece of his recruiting pitch, and the Huskies have pointed to NFL Draft results and individual player trajectories as evidence that the program delivers on that promise. For a prospect like Christensen — who is still early in his recruitment and processing what he wants from a college program — that message should resonate clearly this weekend.

The emphasis on close relationships with both players and staff is particularly telling. Christensen isn’t looking for a transactional recruiting experience. He wants to feel like he belongs somewhere. That’s the kind of recruit who, if Washington can build a genuine rapport over the course of the weekend, becomes a real target.

Game Day Experience Already Has Him Intrigued

Perhaps the most revealing part of Christensen’s comments ahead of the visit is that this isn’t his first time paying attention to Washington. Last fall, he made gameday visits for the UC Davis and Oregon games.

“When I went to games this season, I saw how UW’s fans really care about the program and make it a great game day environment,” he said. “I want to learn more about their coaching style and what they focus on in practice and offseason training.”

The fact that Christensen has attended games at Husky Stadium already gives Washington a head start. He’s not walking onto campus as a blank slate — he’s arriving with a preexisting impression of what the program looks and feels like on a big Saturday in Seattle. That’s an advantage UW’s recruiting staff will want to build on, and Saturday gives them a controlled environment to deepen that connection beyond the noise and spectacle of a game day.

The Big Picture

Christensen is one of several defensive line and edge prospects making the trip to Montlake this weekend, but he stands out as arguably the highest-upside regional target in the group.

If Christensen walks away from Dawghouse Weekend feeling like Montlake is the right fit — the right staff, the right environment, the right developmental culture — the offer could come quickly. And once it does, the Huskies figure to be a serious player for one of Oregon’s best 2027 prospects.

Last updated: March 3, 2026, 6:25 p.m.

The Washington Huskies football program will host one of its largest early-cycle recruiting events of the spring, March 7–8, as multiple 2027 prospects from across the country are scheduled to attend Junior Day in Montlake, dubbed as “Dawghouse Weekend.”

The weekend is expected to feature several four-star prospects, two quarterbacks, and multiple committed players from Washington’s 2027 class. With spring practice approaching and official visit season beginning in June, the event serves as an important relationship-building opportunity for head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff.

Quarterbacks Headline Offensive Visitors

The most prominent offensive visitor is 2027 four-star quarterback Blake Roskopf of Desert Edge High School (Arizona).

Roskopf, listed at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, holds offers from Oregon, UCLA, Auburn, and several others. He is also the high school teammate of Washington 2027 four-star wide receiver commit Zerek Sidney, adding a layer of familiarity to the visit.

Also scheduled to attend is three-star quarterback Brody Rudnicki of Folsom High School, a Northern California program known for producing collegiate quarterbacks. Washington quarterbacks coach JP Losman has stepped into the role of primary quarterback recruiter following the departure of offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty in February.

UW is also getting a head start on the 2028 class with QB Grayer Hong (Berkshire - Mass.) set to make another trip to Montlake

I expect Washington to take at least one quarterback in the 2027 class, making early visits particularly significant.

Five-Star Presence on the Offensive Line

Five-star offensive lineman Oluwasemilore Olubobola of St. Peter’s Prep (NJ) headlines the offensive line visitors. Olubobola is regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects nationally in the 2027 cycle.

Four-star offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo of Oceanside (CA) is also scheduled to attend, alongside local four-star offensive tackle Gecova Doyal out of Puyallup (WA).

Three-star offensive lineman Reis Russell (Valor Christian - CO) is making a return visit to Montlake this weekend. Russell also has an official visit already scheduled for June 19-21.

Defensive Line Group Among the Deepest

The defensive front is expected to be the most heavily represented position group at Junior Day.

Four-star defensive lineman Jon Ioane of Tustin High School (Calif.) will attend and has already scheduled an official visit to Washington for June 5–7.

He will be joined by four-star in-state defensive lineman Tevita Nonu of O’Dea High School. Nonu, listed at 6-3 and 275 pounds, helped lead O’Dea to a 3A state championship last season and holds offers from Oregon, Notre Dame, and others.

Three-star defensive lineman Lemani Fehoko (Junipero Serra - CA) will be on campus as well, adding further depth to the position group.

Four-star edge rusher Zane Rowe is also expected on campus. Rowe has Washington in his final four and is scheduled to announce his commitment on March 13.

Additional edge prospects three-star Jag Ioane (Orem, UT) and three-star Josh Christensen (Lake Oswego - OR) are also slated to attend.

Defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi will be actively recruiting one of the weekend’s largest position groups.

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Linebacker and Secondary Visitors

Washington will host multiple linebackers, including four-star Liufau Loumoli of IMG Academy.

The Huskies’ three committed 2027 three-star linebackers — Justin and Ethan Coach (St. John Bosco, Calif.) and Titus Osterman (Kimberly, OR) — are also expected to be in attendance, along with additional linebacker target three-star Isaiah Leilua (Servite, Calif.).

In the secondary, four-star safeties Isala Aisa Wily-Ava of St. John Bosco High School (CA), Malaki Taufoou (Junipero Serra - CA), and Gavin Williams (Damien - CA) will be visiting. Wily-Ava has already scheduled an official visit to Washington in June.

Washington Director of High School Relations Jaleel Wadood, a St. John Bosco alumnus, maintains recruiting ties to the Southern California program.

Three-star defensive back Ryan Wooten Jr. of St. Peter’s Prep (NJ) is also expected on campus. Committed defensive back Maurice Williams (Graham-Kapowsin) will attend as well. 247 Sports reported on Tuesday night that four-star cornerback Josiah Molden (West Linn - OR) will be attending Washington’s Junior Day.

Running Back and Receivers

Running backs coach Scottie Graham has brought in a national group of prospects. Washington is scheduled to host four-star Elijah Kimble (Canisus, NY) along with three-star Jeremy Adeyanju (Sandra Day O’Connor, AZ).

Four-star wide receiver Dontay Tyson Jr. (Peoria - AZ) is also slated to attend. He will join committed receiver Zerek Sidney in Montlake. Wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings, who signed multiple four-star receivers in the 2026 class looks to build on this momentum.

The Huskies are targeting at least one committed prospect with 2027 four-star tight end Colt Lumpris (Lawrenceville - NJ) visiting. Lumpris committed to Alabama last December.

2028 five-star tight end Tytan McNeal (Eastside Catholic - WA) will attend, depending on the outcome of next week’s Washington state high school basketball playoff tournament and his corresponding availability.

Looking Ahead

Junior Day does not typically produce immediate commitments, but it often establishes positioning ahead of the spring evaluation period and summer official visit season.

With multiple official visits already scheduled for June and one key decision looming in mid-March, Washington’s March 7–8 event could shape the trajectory of the 2027 class.

The weekend will provide clarity on where the Huskies stand with several priority targets as the recruiting calendar accelerates toward summer.

The 2027 recruiting cycle is starting to take shape on Montlake — and the official visit board is beginning to tell a story.

Over the past few weeks, Washington has quietly stacked multiple key weekends. Here’s the current 2027 official visit board for the Washington Huskies football under Jedd Fisch.

Star ratings are via Rivals Industry Ranking

Last updated: May 11, 2026

May 29–31

Confirmed Visitors:

• 4-star QB Blake Roskopf, Desert Edge - AZ (Committed)

• 4-star WR Dontay Tyson, Peoria - AZ

• 4-star S Gavin Williams, Damien - CA

• 3-star RB Jeremy Adeyanju, Sandra Day O’Connor - AZ (Committed)

• 3-star EDGE Jag Ioane, Orem - UT

• 3-star CB Kamil Loud, Bishop Gorman - NV

• 3-star LB Titus Osterman, Kimberly - ID (Committed)

• 3-star WR Zerek Sidney, Desert Edge - AZ (Committed)

• 3-star DL Matamatagi Uiagalelei, Mater Dei - CA (Committed)

June 5–7

Confirmed Visitors:

• 4-star S Isala Aisa Wily-Ava, St. John Bosco - CA

• 4-star DB Censere Gaylord, IMG Academy - FL

• 4-star DL Jon Ioane, Tustin - CA (Committed)

• 4-star WR Osani Gayles

• 4-star DL Tevita Nonu, O’Dea - WA

• 3-star TE Zach Albright, Glacier Peak - WA (Committed)

• 3-star TE Jeramie Cooper, North Crowley - TX

• 3-star QB Caden Jones, Crean Lutheran - CA

• 3-star LB Isaiah Leilua, Servite - CA (Committed)

• 3-star S Jaden Walk-Greeen, Centennial - CA

June 19–21

Confirmed Visitors:

• 4-star WR Tre Moore, Pflugerville Weiss - TX

• 3-star DB Maurice Williams, Graham-Kapowsin - WA (Committed)

• 3-star OL Gecova Doyal, Puyallup - WA

• 3-star OL Lincoln Mageo, Oceanside - CA

• 3-star EDGE Troy Mailo, Mullen - CO

• 3-star OL Tye Kennedy, Mountain View - AZ

• 3-star OL Reis Russell, Valor Christian - CO (Committed)

• 3-star ATH Jeovanni Henley, Junipero Serra - CA

• 3-star S Malakai Taufoou, Junipero Serra - CA

• 3-star OL Dajohn Yarborough, Basha - AZ

Likely Official Visitors (Tracking)

Not every visit is locked in publicly yet.

Based on reporting, conversations, and recruiting patterns, these are prospects Washington is trending toward hosting officially — even if dates are still being finalized.

This section will update as visits are confirmed.

Four-star targets to watch:

• CB Evan Mack, Crean Lutheran - CA

Three-star targets to watch:

• LB Ethan Coach, St. John Bosco - CA (Committed)

• LB Justin Coach, St. John Bosco - CA (Committed)

• WR Braylon Pope, Sumner - WA (Committed)

This tracker will continue to be updated as new official visits are confirmed. If players lock in new dates, I’ll add them here.

If you’re a Washington fan tracking the 2027 class, bookmark this page.

In a significant boost to their offensive line depth, the University of Washington Huskies have secured the commitment of offensive tackle Kolt Dieterich from Sam Houston State via the transfer portal. Dieterich took an official visit to Washington this past weekend.

Dieterich, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt sophomore from Riesel, Texas, brings valuable experience to Montlake. He entered the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, after a standout tenure with the Bearkats in Conference USA.

Over the past two seasons, Dieterich established himself as a reliable starter on the offensive line. In 2024, he started six of the final seven games at left tackle, logging 548 snaps. He then transitioned to right tackle in 2025, starting all 12 games and allowing just three sacks across 458 pass-blocking opportunities.

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“Coach [Jedd] Fisch and Coach [Michael] Switzer welcomed me from the moment I was [on campus] and it felt like home,” Dieterich told SeaTown Sports. “Coach Switzer bragged on the room a lot and how close the guys are . . . that’s just something you want to be a part of.”

His performance earned him the second-highest grade among Conference USA offensive linemen by Pro Football Focus, with an overall score of 71.5, and he was recognized as the top-graded tackle in the conference.

As Washington’s first publicized transfer portal addition of the 2026 cycle, Dieterich addresses a critical need for the Huskies. The team lost rotational offensive linemen Paki Finau and Maximus McCree to the portal, along with starter Carver Willis to graduation, leaving gaps at the tackle positions.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Dieterich is poised to compete for a starting role, potentially challenging five-star freshman Kodi Greene at left tackle or providing stability as a backup to right tackle Drew Azzopardi, who is set to graduate after the 2026 season.

Dieterich’s journey to FBS football is noteworthy. A three-star recruit out of high school with no major Power Five offers, he redshirted his freshman year at Sam Houston before breaking out during the Bearkats’ 10-win season in 2024 as they transitioned from FCS.

His dual-sport background in football and basketball highlights his athleticism, which could translate well to the Big Ten’s physical demands. For Coach Fisch and offensive line coach Michael Switzer, this pickup aligns with their strategy of targeting experienced transfers to bolster the trenches.

Washington, which finished 2025 with a 9-4 record, aims to improve protection for their quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and enhance the run game in a competitive conference landscape.

As the transfer portal window remains open until January 16, 2026, the Huskies continue to pursue additional talent, but Dieterich’s commitment sets a positive tone for the portal cycle. Fans can expect him to make an immediate impact when spring practices begin.

Washington Huskies Transfer Portal Notebook: Key Targets on Official Visits and Offers

With Dieterich in the fold, the Huskies are wasting no time pursuing additional talent as the transfer portal window remains open until January 16, 2026. Washington, among other positions, is targeting the trenches, wide receiver depth, and special teams following several departures.

One intriguing wide receiver target is Naeshaun Montgomery, a 6-foot-1, 189-pound freshman from Florida. A former four-star recruit in the 2025 class, Montgomery saw limited action with the Gators but possesses significant upside with four years of eligibility remaining.

He is scheduled for an official visit to Seattle on January 5 and could serve as a replacement forRaiden Vines-Bright, who the Huskies lost to the portal (Arizona State). Montgomery is also considering Pitt, Missouri, and UCLA, making this a competitive recruitment.

Special teams could see an upgrade with Tyler Robles, a kicker transferring from Texas State. Per 247 Sports, Robles is expected to visit Washington. The 5-foot-7, 175-pound specialist began his career at USC before thriving with the Bobcats in 2025, posting strong numbers after limited opportunities early on. Washington looks to add a veteran leg to address the departure of Grady Gross and provide competition for incoming freshman C.J. Wallace.

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On the defensive line—a major area of need after losing multiple starters to eligibility and the portal—the Huskies are hosting several high-priority visitors. DeSean Watts, a 6-foot-2, 318-pound interior lineman from Sacramento State, visited Washington this past weekend.

The sophomore earned one of the highest run-defense grades in FCS per PFF in 2025, starting nine games and showcasing pass-rush potential with a solid pressure rate. Watts, a former JUCO standout, has two years of eligibility left and fits Washington’s recent success with Sacramento State transfers (Deshawn Lynch).

Donta Simpson Jr., a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle from Miami, is also expected to visit Washington. Simpson, a three-star 2025 recruit, played sparingly for the Hurricanes amid their deep rotation. With depth concerns on Washington’s interior line, Simpson could compete immediately and has scheduled stops at Illinois, Texas, and SMU as well.

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Washington has extended an offer to Jeremy Scott, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound wide receiver from South Alabama. The redshirt freshman exploded in 2025 with 24 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per reception. His size and big-play ability make him a coveted outside threat, though he is drawing interest from programs like Georgia and Baylor.

Finally, the Huskies have offered Ezra Christensen, a productive 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle from New Mexico State. Christensen posted one of the top PFF grades among FBS interior linemen in 2025, tallying impressive tackles for loss and sacks after transferring from Fresno State. A late bloomer with rangy athleticism, he has visits lined up with Colorado and Virginia.

While Washington returns talented young receivers like Dezmen Roebuck, Chris Lawson, and Marcus Harris, the lack of proven production creates an urgent need for more experienced players. Jedd Fisch’s offense thrives on explosive plays in the passing game, and with Demond Williams Jr. returning at quarterback, Washington should be an attractive destination for proven pass catchers. The challenge, as always, will be navigating the NIL market—particularly at a position where production translates directly into price.

Here are five wide receivers expected to be among the most sought-after names in the portal.

Nick Marsh — WR | Michigan State

6-3, 203 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining

Marsh is set to be one of the top receivers available in the portal. Over two seasons at Michigan State, he posted 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as a true No. 1 option in the Spartans’ offense.

With size, strength, and proven Power 4 production, Marsh profiles as an immediate impact starter wherever he lands. His athleticism and ability to produce after the catch make him a natural fit in an offense looking for a go-to target. Expect heavy national interest and a competitive NIL market.

DeAndre Moore — WR | Texas

6-0, 192 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Moore brings experience from one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country. In his Texas career, he recorded 77 catches for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns. His familiarity with high-level competition and ability to stretch the field make him a strong candidate to step into a featured role elsewhere.

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Terrell Anderson — WR | NC State

6-2, 204 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining

Anderson enters the portal as one of the most reliable receivers available. Across two seasons at NC State, he totaled 53 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns, serving as a steady option in the Wolfpack offense.

Anderson served as a deep-ball threat at NC State, and projects as a high-floor addition who can move the chains and provide stability in a young receiver room.

Greg Gaines III — WR | Rhode Island

6-4, 205 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Gaines is one of the more intriguing Group of 5/FCS risers in the portal. The former Iowa State transfer recorded 65 catches for 1,018 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-CAA honors. He will enter the portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

At 6-foot-4, Gaines brings size and catch-radius traits that translate well to the Power 4 level. He fits the profile of a value add — a productive, physically mature receiver ready to contribute immediately.

Jackson Harris — WR | Hawai‘i

6-3 205 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining

Harris put together a breakout season at Hawai‘i, totaling 49 receptions for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games. In six of his final seven games, Harris broke the century mark in receiving yards, with five catches of 68 yards or more.

The UW Angle

Washington will likely prioritize:

• At least one proven Power 4 receiver

• One vertical or size-based complement

• Immediate contributors to long-term projects

The Huskies’ system, quarterback stability, and offensive track record will appeal to portal receivers, but competition — and NIL — will be significant. Expect Washington to be selective, targeting players who offer both production and value.

As the portal unfolds, this watch list will evolve quickly.

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At the position, the Huskies lose both Zach Durfee and Deshawn Lynch to graduation. Jacob Lane will return as a senior starter, with rising sophomore Devin Hyde slated to take the other starting edge spot. Other players on the roster at the position include Isaiah Ward, Victor Sanchez, Hayden Moore, and incoming freshman Derek Colman-Brusa. The Huskies could benefit from adding at least one and maybe two experienced players at this position.

Here are five edge defenders worth monitoring as the portal opens.

Tyler Thompson — EDGE | North Carolina

6-4, 245 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining

Thompson is one of the most productive edge rushers who will hit the portal. The North Carolina defender totaled 26 tackles, 7 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles this season while earning an 85.0 PFF grade, the highest on UNC’s defense. He also finished fourth in the ACC in sacks.

Thompson’s blend of length, burst, and proven Power 4 production makes him a plug-and-play pass rush option. He profiles as a player who could immediately factor into a top-six edge rotation at the Power 4 level.

Thompson will likely command significant NIL interest from multiple Power 4 programs.

DJ Wesolak — EDGE | Missouri State

6-4, 255 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Wesolak brings an intriguing combination of Power 4 experience and developmental upside. A former four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he spent time at Missouri and Oregon State before landing at Missouri State, where he posted 38 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2025.

Wesolak’s 6-4, 255-pound frame and ability to hold up on early downs make him the type of rotational edge who could contribute 20-25 snaps per game.

J’Dan Burnett — EDGE | Tulsa

6-0, 250 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Burnett put together one of the strongest edge seasons in the American Conference, finishing with 28 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. PFF graded him as one of the two highest-rated edge defenders in the American Conference in both overall and pass-rush grade.

Burnett’s efficiency as a pass rusher and his ability to convert pressures into sacks make him a strong value target—exactly the type of Group of 5 riser Washington should pursue. His production suggests he’s ready to compete at the Power 4 level immediately.

The one-year window creates urgency, but also potentially lowers his NIL cost compared to multi-year prospects. For a Washington program looking for immediate pass-rush juice without long-term financial commitment, Burnett checks multiple boxes.

Adam Trick — EDGE | Miami (OH)

6-4, 242 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Trick finished the season with 8.5 sacks, including a 2.0-sack performance against Wisconsin in Miami’s season opener—a statement game that put him on the map for Power 4 programs. He also recorded 12.5 TFLs and consistently created havoc in the MAC throughout the season. With proven production against high-level competition, Trick profiles as a likely starter.

Ezekiel Larry — EDGE | Yale

6-2, 240 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Larry, the former San Diego State transfer, recorded 48 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 6 QB hits, and 2 forced fumbles this season at Yale.

The transition from Ivy League to Big Ten competition is significant, but Larry’s production as a pass rusher makes him an intriguing option for programs like Washington seeking immediate pressure help. Larry’s path from Power 4 (SDSU) to Ivy League and back to Power 4 suggests a player motivated to prove he belongs at the highest level.

As the portal opens, expect this watch list to evolve quickly. The edge market moves fast, and Washington will need to act decisively once targets become available. Players continue to announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal before January 2nd. There are more names to account for, and the above list is simply a snapshot of the type of players available for Washington to pursue.

Ideally, the Huskies could land a plug-and-play starter and a rotational player. Washington will likely aim to land a player who could start and has at least one year of proven production. The Huskies would also benefit from adding a player with at least two years of eligibility at a lower price, with the hope of developing them into a productive player in the Big Ten.

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