The Washington Huskies closed out their season with a bowl win over Boise State, but the real buzz around the program right now is about what’s coming next. With the 2026 recruiting class starting to take shape, the defensive haul in particular stands out - not just for the star power, but for the sheer physical upside and versatility it brings to Montlake.
Let’s take a closer look at the new faces on the defensive side of the ball, because there’s a lot to like - and a few names you’ll want to remember heading into next fall.
Defensive Line: Big Bodies, Big Upside
The Huskies didn’t just reload up front - they went out and landed three four-star defensive linemen who are built to make an immediate impact.
Derek Colman-Brusa, one of the first big wins of the cycle, is the kind of edge rusher you build a defense around. At 6’5” and north of 270 pounds, he’s got the frame to grow into a hybrid role - someone who can rush off the edge or slide inside when needed. Ranked as the 17th-best edge in the country, Colman-Brusa chose the Huskies over offers from Ohio State and Oregon, making his commitment not just a talent grab, but a statement win on the recruiting trail.
Then there’s T.I. Umu-Cais, a true interior presence at 6’3” and over 300 pounds.
He’s the kind of space-eater who can anchor a defensive front and still flash enough burst to collapse the pocket. Beating out North Carolina and UCLA for his signature was another key moment in this cycle - and a sign the Huskies are serious about rebuilding the trenches with size and power.
The third piece of the four-star trio is J.D. Hill, one of the fastest risers in the country.
After starting the year as a low three-star, Hill climbed all the way to No. 13 among defensive linemen nationally. His tape shows a disruptive motor and the kind of versatility that lets a coordinator get creative - inside, outside, wherever you need chaos, Hill can bring it.
These three aren’t just future contributors - they’re players who could push for playing time right away. And over the next few years, they could form the core of a dominant defensive front.
But the Huskies didn’t stop there.
They also added David Schwerzel and Ta’a Malu, two in-state prospects who project as developmental interior linemen. Schwerzel, a late addition, has a 6’4” frame that should fill out nicely with time in the weight room.
Malu is newer to football, but he’s got the raw size and athleticism that make him a fascinating long-term project. Neither may be ready to contribute immediately, but with patience and coaching, both could grow into reliable rotational pieces - or more.
Linebackers: Length, Versatility, and Production
Washington’s linebacker room is getting a serious injection of size and athleticism with the addition of Ramzak Fruean and Ezaya Tokio, two 6’4” prospects who fit the mold of the modern hybrid linebacker.
Fruean, an in-state standout, was a major recruiting win after he decommitted from UCLA. He’s a proven playmaker who can line up inside or on the edge, and his productivity jumps off the stat sheet. Ranked as the 44th-best linebacker in the class, Fruean brings both polish and upside - and he’ll have a real shot to crack the rotation early.
Tokio, meanwhile, might be one of the most underrated players in the class. He’s got the same long frame as Fruean and offers similar versatility. Whether he ends up as a downhill thumper or a rangy outside linebacker, he gives the Huskies another tool in the box for matching up with today’s wide-open offenses.
This linebacker duo signals a clear direction: Washington wants more length, more athleticism, and more versatility in the second level. Fruean and Tokio fit that blueprint perfectly.
Defensive Backs: Depth, Talent, and Instant Impact Potential
The secondary class is deep, talented, and headlined by three four-star prospects who all bring something different to the table.
Gavin Day and Rahsjon Duncan both surged in the rankings late and finished as top-250 players nationally. Day profiles as a long, rangy safety who could eventually step into the same role current Husky standout Alex McLaughlin plays - a downhill enforcer who can cover ground and bring the boom. He’s got early contributor written all over him.
Duncan is a bit more of a wild card - and that’s a good thing. He can play safety or corner and brings a physical, aggressive style to the back end. Whether he ends up as a roaming safety or a sticky cover corner, he’s the kind of guy who plays with an edge and makes his presence felt.
Jeron Jones, the third four-star DB in the group, was a production machine on one of California’s top high school teams. He projects as a true outside corner with the ability to lock down one side of the field - a valuable commodity in any defense, especially in the pass-happy Pac-12.
Beyond the headliners, there’s more depth to be excited about. Elijah Durr, another in-state standout, earned Gatorade State Player of the Year honors and brings good size and instincts to the cornerback room. At 6’1”, 170 pounds, he’s got the frame to develop into a reliable outside presence.
And then there’s Ksani Jiles, a versatile DB out of IMG Academy in Florida. At 6’0”, 180 pounds, he’s another player who can line up at safety or corner - giving the Huskies valuable flexibility in their secondary packages.
Final Thoughts: A Defensive Class Built to Compete Early
This 2026 defensive class isn’t just strong - it’s balanced, deep, and full of players who fit what Washington is trying to build: a fast, physical, and versatile defense that can match up with anyone.
From the trenches to the secondary, the Huskies added size, length, and upside across every level. And while not every player will see the field right away, there are several who could push for snaps as early as next season.
It’s too early to say how this class will stack up historically, but if you’re a Husky fan, there’s every reason to be excited. This group has the potential to raise the ceiling of the entire defense - not just in 2026, but for years to come.