Huskies Still Hunting: Key 2026 Targets at Edge, WR, and the Trenches
Tracking Washington’s top remaining 2026 football recruiting targets at edge rusher, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back.
Washington’s 2026 recruiting class is starting to take shape, with key commitments already in the fold on both sides of the ball. But as the calendar moves deeper into the summer, several position groups remain in flux.
Below, I break down where Washington still needs to make moves, which prospects are still in play, and how confident fans should feel about the Huskies filling out the class in the trenches, out wide, and in the secondary.
Position of Need: Edge and Defensive Line
Washington landed arguably its biggest fish in Edge Derek Colman-Brusa (6-5.5, 270), but has failed to land another Edge to pair with one of the jewels of its 2026 class. Colman-Brusa is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Huskies’ defense.
It is unclear if Washington will be able to lure another Edge prospect, and it is unclear who that prospect would be. I thought it was almost a guarantee the Huskies would land at least one of the coveted Edge recruits out of local football powerhouse, O’Dea High School. The pair, Fameitau Siale (6-4, 240) and David Schwerzel (6-4, 250), committed to Michigan State and UCLA, respectively. I expect Washington’s staff to continue recruiting both of them, with the goal of flipping one of them to Washington before signing day.
On the interior, Washington has a sole commitment from Ta’a Malu (6-3.5, 285). The local product quickly pledged to the Huskies this month after receiving an offer in late June. The big priority target is Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais (6-3, 310). Umu-Cais made his official visit to Washington in early June. He has the Huskies in his Top 5, along with hometown Colorado, UCLA, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. 247 Sports reports that he plans to make his decision by the end of July.
Position of Need: Wide Receiver
One of the Huskies’ headline commitments of the summer was that of Wide Receiver Mason James (5-11, 180). James’ commitment came on the heels of a flip from in-state recruit Terrance Saryon (5-10, 160).
This past spring, the Huskies continued building relationships with several wide receiver prospects who were already committed elsewhere. Most notable was Vance Spafford (5-11, 180), who recently flipped his Georgia commitment to Miami. The other committed wide receivers who visited Washington this spring include Daniel Odom (6-1, 175, Oklahoma), Madden Williams (6-1, 175, Texas A&M), and Denairius Gray (6-2, 184, Auburn, Kentucky).
In late June, Williams shut down his commitment, and this month, Gray flipped to Kentucky. This leaves Odom, who was at Washington’s Junior Day in March and took an official visit the weekend of May 30. I find it unlikely that the Huskies have enough in the bank to land Odom after they secured James’ commitment, but a name to watch, regardless.
One recruit to keep your eye on is Blaise LaVista (6-2.5, 200). Washington offered LaVista during the recruiting dead period, meaning he will not be able to come on campus for a visit until the season starts up in the fall. At this point, I see Washington as the favorite, especially if they can get him on campus for a visit, but an impressive fall could bring other Power 4 schools to the fore.
Other Positions Still in Play
Offensive Line: The Huskies are on their way to signing a solid class as Jedd Fisch executes his strategy to build up the trenches through high school recruiting. Four-star OT Kodi Greene (6-6, 310) flipped from Oregon to Washington in April. Three-star OT Dom Harris (6-7.5, 335) committed to the Huskies this spring after taking an official visit. Finally, local recruit, IOL Ah Deong Yang (6-4, 320) has kept his pledge to the Huskies.
It looks like the Huskies still want to add one interior offensive lineman. Washington is in the running for three-star Pulelei’ite Primus (6-4, 340). Primus is announcing his commitment on Saturday. His top three is Washington, Houston, and Vanderbilt. I feel good about the Huskies’ chances here. Primus told me Washington’s campus was “beautiful” after his June official visit and shared that his family also enjoyed their time in Seattle.
Defensive Back: DBU is reloading as the Huskies have commitments from four-star Jeron Jones (6-0, 175), three-star Dre Pollard (6-0, 175), three-star Elijah Durr (6-1, 170), three-star Ksani Jiles (6-0, 180), and three-star CJ Lavender (5-11, 175). Washington remains in play for three-star Rahsjon Duncan (6-1, 190). 247 Sports logged a crystal ball for Duncan this month. He will commit on July 20. He has Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, and Washington in his final four.
Safety: Washington landed four-star Gavin Day (6-3, 190) this spring, but is looking to potentially pair him with either four-star Davon Benjamin (6-0, 190) or four-star Salesi Moa (6-2, 190).
Benjamin, an Oaks Christian standout, made an official visit to Washington. The Huskies are “warm” on his recruitment per 247 Sports, along with Oregon, Texas, and Michigan.
The Huskies are also “warm” on Moa’s commitment. Moa visited Washington in April and also took visits to Tennessee, Michigan, Michigan State, and Utah.
Additions Not Expected At These Positions
Quarterback: Three-star Derek Zammit (6-0, 190) is their guy.
Running Back: Three-star Ansu Sanoe (6-1, 210) committed to Washington back in April 2024. He has been vocal on social media recruiting for the Huskies. Joining Sanoe at the running back position is heralded four-star Brian Bonner (6-0, 190).
Tight End: The Huskies were in the running for several Tight End prospects, but it looks like they are done at the position after landing three-star Sam Vyhlidal (6-4, 225).
Linebacker: Washington secured the commitment of three-star Ezaya Tokio (6-4, 220) this July. I have not heard or seen anything that indicates the Huskies are still actively recruiting any other linebackers.
Special Teams: Kicker CJ Wallace (5-11, 160) has remained committed to Washington since April 2024. If the Huskies add anybody on special teams, I’d expect them to be a walk-on.
Montlake Momentum Continues: Huskies Draw Rave Reviews from Visitors
Washington’s second of three major June visit weekends once again delivered for the Huskies. With key 2026 recruits in town and one local 2027 recruit visiting, the program continued to showcase its identity as a serious player on the national recruiting trail — and the early feedback from prospects reflects that.