UW Recruiting Roundup: Top Prospects Eyeing Commitments

Huskies in strong position for 4-star DL and safety targets

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Washington football program has been on a recruiting roll lately, with their 2026 class currently ranked 6th nationally by 247Sports despite having just 9 commits so far. Two top West Coast prospects - 4-star defensive lineman Jon Ioane from Tustin, CA and 4-star safety Isala Aisa Wily-Ava from St. John Bosco, CA - are expected to announce their college decisions in the coming weeks, with the Huskies emerging as the favorites to land both players.

Why it matters

Landing commitments from elite prospects like Ioane and Wily-Ava would be a major boost for the Huskies' recruiting efforts, helping them build depth and talent on both the defensive line and in the secondary. These types of high-profile recruits can set the tone for an entire recruiting class and signal that the Huskies are an attractive destination for top talent.

The details

Ioane, a 6'3", 295-pound defensive tackle, has narrowed his focus to a top 5 of Cal, Penn State, Stanford, UCLA, and UW. After visiting the Huskies' junior day, he is expected to announce his commitment this month, with Washington considered the heavy favorite to land him. Wily-Ava, a 6'2", 195-pound safety, has the Huskies, Michigan, and Arizona State as his top choices, but UW has solidified itself as the frontrunner, and he could commit sometime this spring.

  • Ioane is expected to announce his commitment this month.
  • Wily-Ava could commit to a school sometime this spring.

The players

Jon Ioane

A 4-star defensive lineman from Tustin High School in California, Ioane is considered one of the top defensive tackles on the West Coast and a top 200 player nationally by 247Sports.

Isala Aisa Wily-Ava

A 4-star safety from St. John Bosco High School in California, Wily-Ava is one of the top safety prospects on the West Coast and is being heavily recruited by the Huskies, Michigan, and Arizona State.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Getting Ioane would be a massive win for the Huskies and further help build up the talent level on the trenches.”

— Aaron Sieverkropp, Author

“I get the sense that the Huskies could a commitment from Wily-Ava sometime this spring and land of the top safeties on the west coast.”

— Aaron Sieverkropp, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Huskies' recruiting momentum is building, and landing commitments from elite prospects like Ioane and Wily-Ava would be a major coup that could set the tone for their entire 2026 recruiting class.