Washington trending for these 3 blue-chip prospects from 2027 class

Washington head coach Jedd Fisch made it clear during his most recent press conference: He prefers recruiting players out of high school to taking them out of the portal. Fisch has only just begun building his 2027 recruiting class, but the Huskies are already making waves with three of the nation’s top talents. Let’s break down where Washington stands with each recruit:

Wide receiver Zerek Sidney

Zerek Sidney is a 6-foot, 175-pound receiver from Goodyear, Ariz.’s Desert Edge High School. He’s rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals, and is set to choose between Washington, Oklahoma, and Arizona State on Thursday:

Sidney is currently rated the nation’s No. 36 receiver and the No. 6 overall player in Arizona by 247Sports. National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins described Sidney as “one of the more polished route runners in the region” and someone who “just knows how to get open.” Biggins also noted Sidney’s ability to win jump balls, make defenders miss, and get away with sneaky speed.

The Huskies became an early player in Sidney’s recruitment when they offered him back in March 2024. Since then, Sidney has reportedly built a strong bond with Washington’s staff, particularly with wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings. Sidney was also encouraged by Washington’s 2025 season, which saw a number of freshmen make major impacts.

“The UW staff was the first to offer me, remained consistent, and they play freshmen,” Sidney told Rivals’ Adam Gorney.

Sidney is certainly eyeing Washington, but the Huskies’ two competitors have also made strong pushes to sign the young wideout. Sidney reportedly likes the idea of playing the ‘hometown hero’ role at Arizona State, and is also enticed by the promise of early SEC reps with Oklahoma.

Will Cummings’ efforts to land Sidney prove fruitful? Husky fans are about to find out. Sidney will announce his commitment live on the CBS Sports College Football YouTube channel on Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m. PST.

Safety Isala Aisa Wily-Ava

Isala Aisa Wily-Ava is a physically gifted playmaker and consensus four-star safety out of California powerhouse St. John Bosco High School. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound native of Bellflower, Calif., took a visit to Washington last season and recently listed the Huskies as one of his current top three teams:

Wily-Ava would be a huge get for Jedd Fisch and company. According to Biggins, Wily-Ava possesses “a rare combination of range, ball skills, instincts and hitting ability”, as well as a lean frame which, with the addition of some extra muscle, could allow for reps at linebacker.

Wily-Ava, who is currently ranked the nation’s No. 21 safety and No. 184 overall player by 247Sports, had only received one Division I offer when the Huskies came calling in October 2024. He’s since taken official visits to Ohio State and Texas A&M, but is now reportedly favoring Washington, Arizona State, and Michigan.

Michigan is likely Washington’s biggest rival here. Wily-Ava recently scheduled an April 18 visit to Ann Arbor, where he’ll watch the Wolverines play their annual spring game. Michigan defensive ends coach Lewis Powell also visited Wily-Ava in Bellflower last Wednesday.

The Wolverines are making moves, but Fisch clearly isn’t one to be outdone. Two days after Powell’s visit, Fisch, safeties coach Taylor Mays, and inside linebackers coach Brian Odom made a group visit to St. John Bosco’s 2025 Polynesian Bowl honoree:

Wily-Ava’s scheduled visit to Michigan in April means he likely won’t be making a commitment decision anytime soon. However, there’s no question that the Huskies are a team to watch.

Cornerback Josiah Molden

Does the name Molden ring a bell? It should. Josiah Molden is the son of former NFL cornerback and Oregon Duck Alex Molden, and the younger brother of current NFL safety and former Washington Husky Elijah Molden. 

College football’s next Molden is also a consensus four-star recruit and the consensus No. 1 player in Oregon. The 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback officially narrowed his recruitment to six schools on Monday, and both Washington and Oregon have made the cut:

Biggins describes Molden as an even better prospect than his older brother, thanks to a “bigger and more athletic” frame and “advanced cover instincts.” 

Unfortunately for Husky fans, Oregon seems to be the current frontrunner in this race. The Ducks were the first team to offer Molden a scholarship (Washington was second) and have continued to pursue the West Linn, Ore. native since losing defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to Cal. The Ducks recently hosted Molden for a visit and are reportedly pushing hard for his commitment:

Oregon may be the favorite to land Molden, but don’t count Washington out just yet. Molden has yet to announce a commitment date, which means there’s still time for the Huskies to win him over.