Five O-Line Recruits, One Huge Weekend Upcoming for Huskies
Rolling out the red carpet as they continue to build an intriguing 2027 recruiting class, the Washington Huskies will try to reel in the foundation of their next great offensive line with coach Jedd Fisch hoping to end the official visit season with a clean sweep locking up top-tier prospects in the trenches.
Offensive line coach Michael Switzer has a chance to put his stamp on this latest recruiting class for the Huskies, with as many as four future Big Ten-caliber starters flying into town. After last year’s crop that brought in five-star left tackle Kodi Greene, UW hopes to be building the next front worthy of the Joe Moore Award, which they last won when they advanced to the National Championship Game in 2023.
Who will be on Montlake this upcoming weekend?
Gonzaga Finalizes Commitment From French Guard Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa
Exit one young French guard, enter another.
Saturday at 2 PM PT was the deadline for international players to withdraw from the NBA Draft, and to no surprise, Jack Kayil remained in the process and looks to hear his name called early next week in Brooklyn. But the Gonzaga Bulldogs have already been operating on the conclusion that he was never re-routing back to Spokane.
Pivoting to a countryman of Kayil, the Zags have reportedly landed a commitment from 6-5 combo guard Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa, adding the talented 18-year-old into a backcourt that already includes Mario Saint-Supéry and Isiah Harwell. The move marks GU’s seventh added player of the offseason, and its third incoming freshman.
Washington State Signs Two More California Recruits to Growing 2027 Class
Washington State continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail under first-year coach Kirby Moore, as the Cougars added two more commitments to their 2027 recruiting class this weekend heralding from the Golden State.
Pledging their commitments to the program, cornerback Noah Clark from Inglewood High School and edge rusher Sonasi Maka II from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California, both announced their intentions to take their talents to Pullman.
With the additions of Clark and Maka II, Washington State now has 14 total commitments in its 2027 class. The Cougars have made California a major priority in this recruiting cycle, as nine of those 14 commitments currently come from the Golden State. The entire class is made up of players from the western region of the United States, highlighting the recruiting strategy being used by the Washington State coaching staff.
Washington State Lands Two More Recruits as 2027 Class Takes Shape
Washington State's 2027 recruiting class continued to gain momentum over the past several days as the Cougars secured commitments from two more prospects who fit the program's growing emphasis on winning recruiting battles in nearby Western states.
The first commitment came from edge rusher Tautai Meredith, a 6-3, 260-pound prospect from Lehi High School in Utah. Meredith chose Washington State over a number of offers that included Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State, among others.
Meredith becomes the second edge defender to commit to Washington State's 2027 class, joining fellow defensive prospects Colton Ritchter and Sonasi Maka II on the defensive front. While he is currently listed as an edge rusher, Meredith possesses a frame that could allow him to add significant weight over the next several years. If that development occurs, it would not be surprising to see him spend time at defensive tackle during his career in Pullman.
Washington State followed Meredith’s commitment with another addition on Wednesday when safety Nate Obasanjo announced his commitment to the Cougars. Obasanjo, a 6-1, 210-pound safety from Mount Rainier High School, selected Washington State over offers from Utah, Colorado State, and New Mexico.
Two Serbian Players Could Help Fill Holes on Gonzaga’s Roster
With four spots still open on its roster for the 2026-27 season, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are continuing to fire darts down a familiar path.
Serbian teenagers Nikola Kusturica and Savo Drezgić are names to watch as new Zags additions, potentially filling roles as a versatile wing and a secondary ball-handler, respectively. They each have played professionally overseas, with the latter having already logged time in the NCAA.
No stranger to the international scene, GU will run out Mario Saint-Supéry and Massamba Diop in its starting lineup this fall, with Izan Almansa possibly coming off the bench. And for about six months, they had a commitment from German guard Jack Kayil. As is the case for Almansa and many other foreign prospects going forward, there will be eligibility questions with both Kustrurica and Drezgić, not even factoring in the obstacle of outbidding other high-profile programs, but landing these two players would bolster the Bulldogs’ depth and ceiling next season.
Gonzaga Prep Product Carter Nilson Follows in Father's Footsteps, Commits to Bulldogs
The 1999-00 season was Mark Few’s first as head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs. His senior class that season included 6-5 guard Mike Nilson, who won WCC Defensive Player of the Year and fueled the Zags to an Elite Eight finish in his fourth and final year with the program.
26 years later, Mike’s son, Carter Nilson, will also play under Few, as the Gonzaga prep graduate reportedly committed to GU, planning to play collegiate basketball in Spokane. It will be the first time that a father-son duo both play under Few in his tenure at the helm, besting John and David Stockton, with the former finishing his Zag tenure in 1984.
Carter’s role will be similar to a walk-on, but with the new language from the settlement in House v. NCAA, he will be on scholarship like every other men’s basketball student-athlete in the country. Currently, he slots in as the 11th player on Gonzaga’s roster, joining three other committed freshmen who are helping fill out the Zags’ bench. Carter is set to be the first Bullpup to transition to a Bulldog since Anton Watson in 2019.
Washington State Secures Commitments from Colton Richter, Jettson Gilliam for 2027 Class
Kirby Moore and the Washington State Cougars continue to build for the future of their football program on the recruiting trail, adding talent from across the West with the commitments of Colton Richter and Jettson Gillam.
Richter, an EDGE defender from Shadow Ridge High School in Nevada, chose Washington State over Boise State, Fresno State, and UNLV, among others. He is rated as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. Standing at 6-3 and 235 pounds, Richter brings impressive size and versatility, offering the ability to not only drop into coverage but also rush the passer effectively.
For the Cougars, Richter's commitment represents more than just adding another talented player. It is another example of the program successfully reaching outside the state of Washington and landing a prospect from a state that sits in the heart of the recruiting pipeline for several conference rivals. As the coaching staff continues to reshape the roster, it will be interesting to see where the Cougars continue to target players and how they build the roster moving forward.
Kirby Moore, Cougars Land Three West Coast Recruits for 2027 Class
Washington State head coach Kirby Moore and his staff continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, landing three notable commitments for the Cougars' future over the past several days. The additions of tight end Owen Yurosek and wide receiver Adrian Barnett strengthen WSU's 2027 class, while three-star receiver Malachi Garlington adds another talented playmaker to the group.
The first commitment came from Yurosek, a 6-4, 215-pound tight end from Bakersfield Christian High School in California. Yurosek chose Washington State over a growing offer list that included Nevada, Fresno State, Hawaii, San Jose State, UNLV, and several other programs. Although he remains unranked by 247Sports, Yurosek possesses the size and frame that college coaches covet at the tight end position. During his junior season, he recorded 13 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown while showcasing his ability as both a receiving threat and blocker.
Yurosek also comes from a football family, as his older brother, Ben Yurosek, starred at Stanford before signing with the Minnesota Vikings organization. His commitment gives Washington State its first tight end pledge in the 2027 recruiting class and adds another California prospect to the Cougars, a pipeline that Washington State has gone to in the past.
Huskies Reel in Four-Star WR Tre Moore to Add to 2027 Class
Landing their first prospect from the state of Texas for their Class of 2027, the Washington Huskies beat out Ohio State and Miami for the commitment from standout receiver Tre Moore, adding playmaking juice to an increasingly exciting crop of recruits.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down Moore's decision to pick the Huskies over two of college football's true blue blood programs and how his arrival can boost Jedd Fisch's offense in the near future.
Gonzaga WBB Brings In Jocelyn Medina, Continues to Strengthen Guard Depth
The frontcourt was the story for Gonzaga women’s basketball last season. From redshirt freshman Lauren Whittaker winning WCC Player of the Year to true freshman Jaiden Haile taking home the conference’s Sixth Woman of the Year, the Zags’ forwards garnered plenty of attention during the team’s 24-win campaign, where they made it back to the NCAA tournament after missing it the season prior.
But after the graduation of starting point guard Inês Bettencourt and the transfer of Paige Lofing, GU continues to restock its backcourt personnel for next year. The program recently announced the addition of Jocelyn Medina, a 5-6 senior from the University of Denver, who joins Emmy Roach as the Bulldogs’ lone transfers so far this offseason – both of them listed as guards.
The move to Spokane for Medina will be her fourth stop in four seasons, as the experienced Arbuckle, California native has played in a variety of roles throughout her collegiate career.
Jack Kayil Intends to Stay in NBA Draft, Leaving Hole in Gonzaga's Backcourt
Receiving first-round feedback in the NBA Draft process, Gonzaga commit Jack Kayil has decided to stay in the draft, his agents first told Jonathan Givoy of DraftExpress.
But since the initial reports, in an interview with basketball-world.news, Kayil’s agent Milan Nikolic said that “Jack definitely won’t go to college – for any number in the world. This is final.”
Because the German guard is an international player, he technically has until June 13 to withdraw from the draft, but based on Kayil’s sentiments about college basketball, suiting up for the Zags is firmly off the table for him even if he is not on an NBA roster next season. The situation is a tough break for GU, which never got to deploy the talented 20-year-old in its system after he officially signed with the program last November.
The Montlake Report: Big Weekend on Tap as Huskies Welcome 2027 Recruits for Visits
Washington Huskies football gears up for a pivotal recruiting stretch as elite recruits arrive for key campus visits. Can four-star quarterback Blake Roscopf and edge prospect Chaz Gray be the cornerstones of a top-15 class?
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe spotlights high-profile visitors, including wide receiver Dante Tyson and cornerback Jalen Hill, and breaks down which positions are still lacking—most notably on the offensive line. With the Big Ten season looming, the Huskies’ strategy to bulk up in the trenches comes to the forefront as linemen like Reis Russell and Jacoby Doyle headline upcoming visit weekends. The show details recent roster additions, such as Joseph Peco, and assesses how recruiting momentum under Coach Fisch could shape the program’s future. Will Washington maintain its stronghold on in-state talent and flip late commits as signing day approaches?
Gonzaga WBB Adds Rider Transfer Emmy Roach as Taller Option in Backcourt
Wanting to add size to its backcourt, Gonzaga women’s basketball announced the addition of Emmy Roach, the team’s first landed transfer ahead of the 2026-27 season.
A priority on head coach Lisa Fortier’s offseason checklist, the 6-0 Roach brings a unique skillset from her years in New Jersey and overseas. She spent the last two seasons at Rider University, appearing in 28 games each year for the Broncs. But the Australian also has semi-professional experience, playing in the NBL1 before her collegiate career began, which will now continue in Spokane. Roach will likely fill a desired role in replacing senior Inês Bettencourt, as a guard with two-way abilities who can take pressure off of Allie Turner as a ball-handling option.
In a statement released by the team, Fortier said, “We are excited for Emmy to join our team! She brings versatility, a solid basketball IQ, and shoots the ball in a way that fits great for how we want to play.”
Washington State Lands Pair of Commitments for 2027 Recruiting Class
With the 2026 season still months away, recruiting for the class of 2027 is already beginning to take shape in Pullman. New Washington State Cougars head coach Kirby Moore has wasted little time putting together the foundation of his first full recruiting class, landing five commitments early in the cycle.
Two of those early pledges come from the West Coast, representing important additions on both sides of the ball as Moore looks to establish the future identity of the program heading into a new-look Pac-12 conference.
What stands out about Wazzu’s two most decorated recruits signed so far in the 2027 recruiting cycle?
Gonzaga Boosts Frontcourt With Izan Almansa as Eligibility Concerns Remain
The Gonzaga Bulldogs made a major frontcourt splash with the reported commitment of 6-10 Spanish forward Izan Almansa, setting up one of the most intriguing big man rotations in college hoops.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Howard Woodard spotlights Almansa’s journey from Real Madrid and G League Ignite to the NBL’s Perth Wildcats and now the NCAA and how his arrival potentially bolsters Gonzaga’s depth alongside Masamba Diop and Braden Huff, and coach Mark Few’s navigation of the NCAA eligibility maze as the Zags aim to build one of the nation's most formidable frontcourts for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Huskies Outclass Rivals, Sign Prized DT Tevita Nonu to 2027 Class
Keeping one of state’s prized 2027 recruits in town, the Washington Huskies made waves by landing O'Dea four-star defensive tackle Tevita Nonu, who selected UW over the likes of Big Ten rivals Oregon and UCLA among other Power 4 programs.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down what sets Nonu apart as one of the top prospects in his class, including his sheer athleticism, relentless motor, and scheme versatility, while spotlighting the Huskies’ recruiting momentum under coach Jedd Fisch and the significance of building a pipeline from powerhouse in-state programs like O’Dea.
Washington State Signs Roman Stathis, Dips Into Australian Pipeline Again
The Washington State Cougars continued their aggressive offseason rebuild with another international addition, landing 6-7 wing Roman Stathis from Sydney, Australia.
Stathis spent his lone prep season at Golden State Prep in Napa, California, and becomes one of several newcomers added to a dramatically reshaped Cougar roster heading into the 2026–27 season.
There is limited publicly available information on Stathis, but early film suggests he possesses intriguing upside. In the clips currently available, the Australian wing shows a smooth perimeter shooting stroke and appears comfortable operating as a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc. At 6-7, his size and shooting ability give Washington State another developmental piece to mold, as he’s the second Australian addition of the offseason along with Fraser Roxburgh.
The Montlake Report: Zach Albright Goes From Dream to Dawg Committing to Huskies
Staying in state as one of the top recruits in Washington, rising tight end Zach Albright officially committed to the Huskies as part of their impressive 2027 recruiting class.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe chats with Albright to discuss his decision to join UW, his goals to become an impact player for Jedd Fisch's squad, how relationships mattered more than other factors in his recruiting process, and much more!
Five Depth Players Gonzaga Could Target in Transfer Portal
Now that most of the main components of the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ 2026-27 roster have been made official, it’s time to look at various options to fill out the rest of next year’s team.
Depth was a key reason the Zags were able to go 31-4 last season, after dealing with more adversity than any other team in the Mark Few era. Although the rotation dwindled to seven by GU’s final game of the season, it was as long as nine or 10 players for a considerable chunk of the calendar. Even with guys who will take up much of the usage rate under wraps like Mario Saint-Supéry, Braden Huff, Davis Fogle, and Massamba Diop, the Bulldogs can still look to bolster their squad in the areas of three-point shooting, defense, and experience off the bench.
So, who are some names to watch for in the transfer portal that could fill these voids for Gonzaga?
Ex-Iowa Starter Ladji Dembele Commits to Washington State
Washington State has made it clear this offseason: the roster rebuild will run through the transfer portal.
The latest addition, Ladji Dembele, fits that approach perfectly—a player with Power Five experience who brings both size and a developing skill set to a Cougars roster still taking shape.
Dembele began his college career at Iowa, where he carved out a consistent role in the frontcourt before transferring to UNLV for his junior season. While his time in Las Vegas was limited to just five games due to injury, he still managed to average 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in roughly 20 minutes per game. That small sample size makes it difficult to fully evaluate his impact there, but it does offer a glimpse into a player who remained productive in limited opportunities. Dembele got a medical redshirt from last season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Explore our latest Seattle sports content by clicking on your favorite team(s) below!
