The Washington Huskies land an intriguing defensive tackle prospect in Ta'a Malu for their 2026 recruiting class. Can this raw talent develop into a Big Ten force?

Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff breaks down Malu's commitment, highlighting his MMA background and explosive first step. The discussion covers Washington's defensive line recruiting strategy, balancing immediate impact players with developmental prospects like Malu. Key topics include the critical pursuit of four-star DT TI Umu-Cais, challenges in securing top D-line recruits, and adapting to Big Ten football's deep rotations. Tomashoff analyzes how recent misses from Jedd Fisch and Jason Kaufusi impact Washington's long-term plans and potential solutions.

Don't miss this in-depth look at the Huskies' defensive line recruiting and its implications for their future in the Big Ten.

0:00 Intro

1:00 Washington adds three-star defensive tackle Ta'a Malu

5:36 Importance of building defensive line depth

9:10 Four-star DT TI Umu-Cais is crucial for the Huskies' future

13:13 Expanding recruiting footprint in the Big Ten

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Donate to UW Goalie Mia Hamant's Fight Against Cancer: https://gofund.me/4295a379

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

Gametime
Today'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.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETSwhen your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies are pursuing some of the nation's most underrated recruits for their 2026 recruiting class ahead of Big Ten play, 3-star WR Blaise LaVista and 3-star DB Rahsjon Duncan.

Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff breaks down LaVista's impressive high school stats and potential fit in the Huskies' offense under Jimmie Dougherty and Kevin Cummings. The discussion covers impact players for the upcoming football season, including Adam Mohammad and Penn State transfer Omari Evans. Basketball takes center stage with an in-depth analysis of German forward Hannes Steinbach's FIBA U19 World Cup performance and how he fits into coach Danny Sprinkle's roster alongside promising transfer portal additions like USC's Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates. Tomashoff explores the team's depth, potential lineups, and raised expectations for the season.

Don't miss this insider look at Washington Huskies' football recruits and basketball's path to a potential top 20 ranking.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Blaise LaVista, underrated WR target

6:15 Rising DB Rahsjon Duncan

11:09 Adam Mohammad: Perfect Big Ten back

15:43 Omari Evans: Potential for explosive plays

17:45 Raiden Vines-Bright: Freshman with big-play ability

19:46 Hannes Steinbach: Standout at FIBA U19 World Cup

24:51 Washington's deep and talented basketball roster

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Donate to UW Goalie Mia Hamant's Fight Against Cancer: https://gofund.me/4295a379

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

Gametime
Today'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.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETSwhen your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Big Ten football power rankings spark heated debate. Is Penn State truly the top dog, or will Ohio State reclaim their throne?

Spencer McLaughlin and his all-star panel dissect the conference's hierarchy, with USC's placement igniting fierce discussion. Mark Culkin makes a bold case for the Trojans' ascent, while others question their readiness. The crew also analyzes Washington's potential dark horse status and Indiana's win total prediction for the upcoming season.

Key topics include defensive improvements, quarterback performances, and the impact of challenging schedules on team success. Jacob Goins and Craig Sheeman offer optimistic outlooks for the Hoosiers, but can Indiana really hit 9 wins against a tough slate?

Tune in for expert insights on your favorite Big Ten teams and players as the season approaches. Will your team rise or fall in the rankings?

Washington Huskies football: Recruiting rebound, hidden gems, and Big Ten outlook. Can Jedd Fisch and his coaching staff land top defensive tackle Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais to bolster their line for Big Ten play?

Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff breaks down Washington's recruiting strategy for the 2026 class and underrated players poised for breakout seasons. The discussion covers potential impact transfers, emerging wide receivers, and the crucial development of promising young offensive lineman Paki Finau. Key topics include Alex McLaughlin's versatility in the secondary, Rashid Williams' potential as a go-to target, and why Rahshawn Clark might be the ultimate sleeper in the defensive backfield alongside Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock.

Don't miss this insider analysis of Washington's path to success in their second Big Ten campaign. Will the Huskies' revamped roster shock the conference?

0:00 Intro

1:30 TI Umu-Cais is a critical target for Washington

5:03 Washington's top 2026 targets

11:08 Alex McLaughlin: Flying under the radar

15:11 Defensive tackle trio poised for impact

21:16 Rashid Williams: Potential breakout receiver

25:50 Paki Finau: Rising star on offensive line

28:53 Rahshawn Clark: Turnover machine in secondary

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Donate to UW Goalie Mia Hamant's Fight Against Cancer: https://gofund.me/4295a379

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

Gametime
Today'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.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETSwhen your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Washington Huskies land high-end 4-star WR Mason James from Norman North High School in Oklahoma over the Texas Longhorns, Oklahoma Sooners, Missouri Tigers, and more. Will this explosive playmaker ignite the Huskies' offense?

James joins Locked On Huskies hosts Roman Tomashoff and Lars Hanson to break down his' commitment, exploring his elite speed, hands, and ball-tracking ability. The discussion covers James' official visit experience, his reasons for choosing Washington, and his potential impact on the team's recruiting efforts. Key topics include James' adjustment to Seattle life, his role in attracting other top recruits like Madden Williams and Daniel Odom, and the Huskies' pursuit of 4-star RB Brian Bonner, 4-star DT Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, and 3-star DL Ta'a Malu.

Don't miss this insider look at the future of Washington Huskies football and how Mason James could reshape their offensive strategy.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Why 4-Star WR Mason James chose Washington

5:07 James on why he chose Washington's offense

8:25 First impressions of UW campus visit

12:22 Recruiting pitch to other prospects

14:40 Highlights from official visit experience

18:02 Off-field interests and personality traits

21:31 Recruiting updates on other 2026 prospects

25:56 New DL offer Ta'a Malu's unique background

29:59 Importance of landing DT TI Umu-Cais

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Donate to UW Goalie Mia Hamant's Fight Against Cancer: https://gofund.me/4295a379

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order!

Gametime
Today'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.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETSwhen your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Big Ten flexes its muscles against SEC scheduling. Is a nine-game conference slate the future of college football?

Spencer McLaughlin and fellow Locked On hosts tackle the Big Ten vs SEC scheduling debate, predicting Illinois' football win total, and dissecting potential NCAA tournament expansion. The crew analyzes Brett Bielema's bold stance on conference parity and debates the merits of a 76-team March Madness field. Key matchups for Illinois, including showdowns with Ohio State and Washington, take center stage as the hosts weigh in on the Illini's chances for a breakout season.

Tune in for heated debates on college football's power dynamics and the future of postseason play in both football and basketball.