As the calendar winds down on 2025, Washington’s football program isn’t slowing down - not even a little. After locking in a top-25 recruiting class earlier this month, the Huskies have pivoted their focus to two key fronts: the transfer portal and the 2027 recruiting cycle. And if early returns are any indication, the Dawgs are wasting no time building momentum for what could be another elite haul.
Let’s start with the in-state foundation. Washington has already landed two standout prospects from its own backyard - a strong early statement.
Four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope out of Sumner and three-star defensive back Maurice Williams from Graham-Kapowsin are already in the fold, giving the Huskies a solid base to build on. According to 247Sports, the 2027 class is already ranked inside the top 25, and given the caliber of players still in play, there’s every reason to believe that ranking could climb significantly.
In-State Priorities: Two Names to Know
Washington’s staff has cast a wide net with over 167 offers out already for the 2027 class, but when it comes to local talent, two names rise to the top of the board.
Sione Kaho - QB, Lincoln HS (WA)
Kaho is one of the top quarterback prospects out west in the 2027 cycle and a major target for the Huskies. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, he brings a strong frame and a skill set that’s already turning heads.
Washington has been in on Kaho early and often, but the competition is fierce - Stanford and Oregon are also heavily involved. A decision could come as soon as early 2026, and if the Huskies can win this battle, it would be a massive addition to their quarterback room.
Tevita Nonu - DL, O'Dea HS (WA)
Nonu is the crown jewel of the in-state class - the top overall prospect in Washington for 2027 and one of the most coveted defensive linemen on the West Coast. At 6'4", 270 pounds, he’s already built like a college player and plays with the kind of motor that defensive coordinators dream about.
Washington has made a habit of keeping elite local talent home, landing the top in-state prospect in each of the last two cycles. Nonu would make it three in a row, but they’ll have to fend off programs like Notre Dame, Cal, and Arizona State to make that happen.
Out-of-State Targets Heating Up
Washington’s recruiting reach has never been limited to the Pacific Northwest, and the 2027 class is no exception. Several out-of-state names are trending upward for the Huskies, with a few already looking like potential early commitments heading into the spring.
Isala Aisa Wily-Ava - S, National Prospect
Wily-Ava is a physical, big-framed safety who’s been a top priority for Washington for some time. Safeties coach Taylor Mays has been leading the charge here, and the relationship between coach and player could be a difference-maker.
The Huskies were one of the first programs to offer Wily-Ava back in 2024, and that early trust is paying dividends. Still, this one won’t be easy - Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M are all in the mix.
But Washington’s consistency and Mays’ influence could give them a real shot.
Troy Bowens - EDGE, Sutter HS (CA)
Bowens is another name to circle - a four-star edge rusher ranked among the top 25 at his position nationally. He visited Montlake earlier this season and came away impressed, which is always a good sign.
The Huskies are expected to stay aggressive in his recruitment, and the goal is to get him back on campus for Junior Day in early 2026. If that visit happens, Washington could be in a strong spot to secure a commitment down the line.
Reis Russell - IOL, Valor Christian HS (CO)
Russell might not carry the same star power as some of the others, but don’t let that fool you - he’s a high-upside interior offensive lineman who’s been on Washington’s radar for a while. He’s visited campus multiple times over the past year, and the Huskies have made him a clear priority. Nebraska is also in the race, but with the Huskers recently making a coaching change on the offensive line, Washington may have the edge thanks to its consistency and long-term investment in Russell’s recruitment.
Looking Ahead: Junior Day and Beyond
Last year, Washington hosted its Junior Day in March, and a similar timeline is expected this cycle. That event could be a major inflection point for the 2027 class, as the Huskies look to bring in a loaded group of top targets from across the country.
California, in particular, continues to be a recruiting hotbed for the Huskies. They’ve already extended 59 offers in the state and signed seven players from California in the last cycle. Don’t be surprised if that number climbs even higher this time around.
Bottom line: Washington is off to a fast start in the 2027 cycle, both locally and nationally. With a strong in-state presence, key out-of-state targets trending in the right direction, and a staff that’s clearly locked in on building something sustainable, the Huskies are setting the table for what could be another banner class on Montlake.