Washington, D.C. Running Back Narrows College Options to Six

Da'Jon Talley-Rhodes, a top high school recruit, has UW among his finalists

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:20am

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Da'Jon Talley-Rhodes, a 6-foot, 215-pound running back from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., has narrowed his college options down to six schools, including the University of Washington. Talley-Rhodes, who rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, is considering Boston College, Indiana, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and UW.

Why it matters

Landing a top recruit like Talley-Rhodes would be a major coup for the UW football program, as the Huskies look to build on their recent success and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Talley-Rhodes is the type of versatile, workhorse running back that could thrive in the Huskies' offense.

The details

Talley-Rhodes, who has been offered by UW since 2024, hosted Huskies running backs coach Scottie Graham for a home visit in January. With 4.51-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Talley-Rhodes is known for his patience, vision, and aggressiveness as a runner. He was named the Capital Football Offensive Most Valuable Player of the Year after his standout junior season.

  • Talley-Rhodes posted his final six college choices on social media on March 9, 2026.
  • UW held its annual Junior Day recruiting event over the past weekend, but no early commitments were announced.

The players

Da'Jon Talley-Rhodes

A 6-foot, 215-pound running back from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C. who has narrowed his college options to six schools, including the University of Washington.

Scottie Graham

The running backs coach for the University of Washington, who has connected with Talley-Rhodes several times since offering him a scholarship in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“The strength of my game are patience and vision. While my aggressiveness is often noticed, I believe my patience and vision are key aspects that often go underappreciated.”

— Da'Jon Talley-Rhodes

What’s next

Talley-Rhodes has said he likely won't make a decision until the fall, as he doesn't want to rush into anything. The Huskies currently hold seven commitments for their 2026 recruiting class, which they generally aim to keep around 25 players.

The takeaway

Securing a commitment from a top talent like Da'Jon Talley-Rhodes would be a major win for the University of Washington football program as they look to build on their recent success. His combination of size, speed, and well-rounded skill set make him an ideal fit for the Huskies' offense.