Jedd Fisch adds to strong '27 class with commitment from linebacker Isaiah Leilua

Washington hosted a horde of high school juniors this past weekend for “Dawghouse Weekend,” the Huskies’ version of Junior Day. Things seemingly went well for head coach Jedd Fisch and company, who on Tuesday afternoon added another signing to their highly-ranked 2027 recruiting class.

Isaiah Leilua, who is a three-star linebacker prospect out of Anaheim, Calif., chose the Huskies despite a strong push from the Stanford Cardinal and offers from schools like Ohio State, Oregon, and Oklahoma. His commitment, Washington’s eighth from the class of 2027, gives Washington the nation's No. 4 recruiting class according to 247Sports.

Isaiah Leilua chooses the Huskies following Dawghouse Weekend visit

Leilua was one of around 30 juniors to visit Montlake over the weekend, and he clearly liked what he saw. Leilua’s commitment comes almost two full years after Fisch’s Huskies gave him his first Division I offer on March 29, 2024.

“Washington recruited me harder than anyone,” Leilua said. “I’ve been feeling them the most for a while, and I have a great relationship with the coaches there. They reach out almost every day to make sure they get that UW logo in front of me. I like the defense and the overall scheme there, and it’s just a great all-around fit for me.”

In the fall, Leilua will begin his fourth year as a starting linebacker for Servite High School, where he’s combined instincts, quickness, and tackling skills to great success. He missed some time as a junior due to a shoulder injury, but he’s been quite efficient when healthy. Leilua has tallied 185 tackles and 17 tackles for loss across 28 games, and he’s only going to get better as a senior.

He’s a bit undersized for a traditional inside linebacker role, but Fisch is no stranger to that. Rivals’ Greg Biggins compared Leilua to current Husky (and former Servite) inside linebacker Jacob Manu in terms of size and playing style. According to Leilua, the Huskies have no plans of treating him any differently.

“They see me as an inside backer as well,” Leilua said of the Huskies staff. “Like I said, the scheme really fits me well. They like my ability to play the run but also drop and cover and play in space, so I’m really excited about my decision.”

Leilua’s 247Sports profile, where he’s rated the class of 2027’s No. 45 linebacker prospect, says he’ll take an official visit to Washington on June 5.

Leilua’s commitment gives UW one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, and plenty of linebackers

Following Leilua’s commitment, Washington’s 2027 recruiting class ranks fourth nationally according to 247Sports, and seventh according to 247Sports Composite. The Huskies currently have eight commits, an impressive four of which are linebackers.

Leilua holds a prospect rating of 88 according to 247Sports, which makes him the highest-rated of the four prospects. Also committed to UW are twins Ethan and Justin Coach (both rated 87) and Titus Osterman (rated 85). 

Washington currently holds only one four-star commitment, which is from wide receiver Zerek Sidney. However, there were plenty of blue-chip prospects in attendance for Dawghouse Weekend, which means Husky fans could have more good news to celebrate in the coming days.