How Jedd Fisch, Washington won in-state commitment from elite DL

Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

How Jedd Fisch, Washington won in-state commitment from elite DL

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated May 19, 2026 9:08 PM ET

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Tevita Nonu is the big dawg of the 2027 recruiting class coming out of the state of Washington.

According to 247Sports, Nonu, who checks in at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, is the top-ranked football player in the state.

That made him a massive target for Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies, and on Tuesday, UW got its guy.

Nonu, from Seattle, Washington, is committed to the program that is right in his backyard. Forget going away for college, Nonu received interest from Fisch and the Huskies early, and that paid off in a big way.

“Washington had been recruiting me when I got my looks and they were my first offer,” Nonu told Brandon Huffman of Rivals.

247Sports also ranked Nonu as the No. 30 defensive lineman in the country. Alongside Washington, he was considering UCLA, Oregon, Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State.

Breaking: New Commitment

4 ⭐️ DL Tevita Nonu (@TevitaNonu5)

Commits to @UW_Football over UCLA, Oregon, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Penn State.

Nonu brings an intriguing blend of length, lateral quickness, and interior explosiveness at 6’4”, 270 lbs. He moves extremely well… https://t.co/hJ1TnNyri6 pic.twitter.com/gxYbQTgTkt
— Dub'd Up  (@dubduphuskies) May 19, 2026

Tevita Nonu explains why he chose Washington

His relationships with the Washington staff are what tipped things over the edge for the Huskies, though. He specifically mentioned defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi, his future position coach.

“Coach Kaufusi is an amazing coach and brings in talent and can develop them in football and in life,” said Nonu.

Of course, the relationship with Fisch was important as well.

“Coach Fisch is amazing and I love the growth he has been showing with Washington,” the four-star said.

Nonu is Washington's 15th commitment and Fisch is building a strong class. With the addition of Nonu, it's now ranked No. 11 nationally.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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