The Huskies have their quarterback for the 2026 class, and they didn’t find him in their backyard-they went all the way across the country to land Derek Zammit out of DePaul Catholic in Wayne, New Jersey. In a cycle where Washington evaluated several top-tier passers, Zammit emerged as the guy. And when you turn on the tape, it’s not hard to see why.
Zammit brings a blend of accuracy, mobility, and creativity that jumps off the screen. He’s not just a pocket passer-he’s a quarterback who can move the launch point, adjust his arm angle, and still deliver a strike.
That kind of versatility is increasingly valuable in today’s game, where defenses are faster and more complex than ever. Zammit’s ability to extend plays without sacrificing precision gives him a legitimate shot to climb the depth chart early in his college career.
Rated as the No. 29 quarterback nationally and the No. 9 overall prospect in New Jersey, Zammit’s stock has been on the rise, and Washington’s staff clearly saw the upside. His recruitment took a key turn back in April when he made an unofficial visit to Seattle.
That trip was a game-changer. After seeing the facilities, meeting the coaches, and getting a feel for the program’s direction, the Huskies vaulted to the top of his list.
He chose UW over a final four that included Alabama, Mississippi State, and Syracuse-no small feat considering the pedigree of those programs.
Zammit’s commitment adds important depth to Washington’s quarterback room, especially with changes on the horizon. Demond Williams is set to return and is firmly entrenched as the starter heading into next season.
He’s the unquestioned leader of the offense and will continue to be the guy under center. But behind him, there’s movement.
Backup Kai Horton is set to graduate, opening the door for competition among the younger signal-callers.
That’s where Zammit enters the picture. He’ll be in the mix with Dash Beierley and Treston “Kini” McMillan for positioning on the depth chart.
While it’s unlikely he’ll be asked to contribute right away-barring injury or unexpected changes-his skill set gives him a real shot to make noise in the quarterback room. And even if he doesn’t see the field immediately, getting him in the building now means the Huskies are setting themselves up for a smooth transition when Williams eventually moves on.
In the bigger picture, this is a win for Washington’s recruiting efforts. Pulling a blue-chip quarterback from the East Coast, especially one who had SEC and ACC offers, speaks to the program’s growing national reach. Zammit isn’t just a fit for the scheme-he’s a foundational piece for the future.