A year into Jedd Fisch’s tenure at Washington, Brandon Huffman has taken note of the Huskies’ recruiting efforts—impressed but not entirely blown away.
As 247Sports’ national recruiting editor, Huffman acknowledges that UW has successfully landed the high school prospects they were expected to under Fisch. However, he believes the next step is for the Huskies to start securing commitments from bigger, more competitive targets.
“It’s time to go to battle for some of the bigger guys that you have to go head-to-head with a lot of schools for,” Huffman stated.
With the 2026 recruiting cycle already in motion, Washington has secured five verbal commitments and currently ranks 38th nationally. However, with over nine months remaining before the early signing period, there is still ample time for Fisch and his staff to build on their 2025 class, which finished 23rd in 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Key 2026 Recruits for Washington
1. EDGE Derek Colman-Brusa – Kennedy Catholic High (Burien, WA)
Washington identified Derek Colman-Brusa early, offering him a scholarship in July 2022—before he had even played a single high school snap. Now, he is regarded as the top player in the state for the 2026 cycle, a composite four-star recruit, and an elite defensive prospect.
As a junior, Colman-Brusa dominated, earning North Puget Sound League Player of the Year honors after recording 25 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks, according to MaxPreps.
“They absolutely have to get him,” Huffman emphasized.
UW has an advantage in recruiting the 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher—his older brother, Lowen Colman-Brusa, signed with the Huskies as part of their 2025 recruiting class. If Derek follows suit, it would mark the third time in four years that Washington landed the state’s top-ranked player.
Ranked as the No. 15 edge rusher nationally and No. 158 overall player, Colman-Brusa is a game-changer.
“He’s an elite pass rusher,” Huffman said. “A speedy guy, a high-motor player, and a state-champion qualifier in wrestling—he checks every box.”
Despite UW’s strong ties, Oregon and Ohio State are serious contenders for his commitment. Oregon has historically been a major competitor for Washington’s top talent, while Ohio State’s national championship-winning roster featured two of the state’s top recruits from 2021—J.T. Tuimoloau and Emeka Egbuka.
“The Huskies have their work cut out for them,” Huffman admitted. “But he is easily their most important recruit.”
2. EDGE David Schwerzel – O’Dea High (Seattle, WA)
Washington isn’t just after one elite pass rusher—David Schwerzel is another highly-touted defensive lineman from the state.
Though Schwerzel is ranked as only a three-star prospect by composite rankings, Huffman and 247Sports rate him significantly higher, listing him as the No. 2 player in Washington and the No. 32 edge rusher nationally.
At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Schwerzel played a crucial role in leading O’Dea High to an undefeated WIAA Class 3A state championship. Huffman believes he could move inside at the college level but still fits the classic edge rusher prototype.
His recruitment is wide open, with California, Stanford, and UCLA joining Washington as major suitors. He also holds offers from Miami, Michigan, Penn State, and Washington State.
“He’s really blossomed over the last year,” Huffman said. “Just got bigger and better.”
3. EDGE Fameitau Siale – O’Dea High (Seattle, WA)
Among Washington’s three highly-ranked homegrown edge rushers, Fameitau Siale may be the most likely to commit to the Huskies, according to Huffman.
Leave a Reply