Washington's 2026 Defensive Class Can WREAK HAVOC In The Big Ten

Jedd Fisch, Ryan Walters, and the Washington Huskies reloaded their defense with one of the nation’s most versatile and hard-hitting 2026 recruiting classes. Can rising stars like Derek Colman-Brusa, J.D. Hill, and TI Umu-Cais transform the defensive line and set the tone in the Big Ten? Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff is joined by Washington's senior director of player personnel Matt Doherty to spotlight how Washington’s staff prioritized size, physicality, and position versatility, building a front seven stacked with relentless competitors. Key talking points include breakdowns on Gavin Day, Jeron Jones, and Rahsjon Duncan’s elite secondary play, the linebacker prototype shift led by Ramzak Frewin and Ezaya Tokio, and more. Hear exclusive insights into why football intelligence, motor, and developmental pathways are critical to the Huskies’ future, plus inside stories from high-stakes recruiting battles and how these additions could elevate Washington’s defensive identity. Will this new class give the Huskies an edge against traditional Big Ten powerhouses?0:00 – Intro1:07 – Washington's 7:19 – Positional flexibility and evaluation of J.D. Hill and other defensive linemen10:09 – TI Umu-Cais’ strengths and recruitment challenges13:11 – Breakdown of secondary recruits: physicality, intelligence, and position fits17:06 – Versatility and evaluation of defensive backs and Ryan Walters' scheme22:21 – Deep dive into linebackers31:13 – Scouting and expectations for kicker C.J. WallaceBecome a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskiesLocked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast NetworkEverydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Omaha SteaksSave big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. RugietIf you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time.Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. Aura FramesFor a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.