The Washington Huskies hosted a large group of recruits from across the country over the weekend, and at least one is leaving as a commit.
Ksani Jiles, a 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., announced his commitment to Washington on Sunday via social media. Previously a longtime Miami commit, Jiles is a three-star prospect according to the 247Sports composite rankings, ranking No. 63 in Florida and No. 34 among cornerbacks nationally. Some recruiting services, however, list him as a safety. In UW’s 2026 recruiting class, he is the second-highest-rated player, behind only four-star running back Ansu Sanoe.
Jiles received offers from numerous programs, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia Tech, Kansas, LSU, Michigan State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, USC, Utah, and Washington State. He originally committed to Miami on May 22, 2023, before his sophomore season but continued receiving offers. He reopened his recruitment on Feb. 7, 2024—just two days after receiving an offer from Washington.
Originally from Southern California, Jiles is the first player to commit to Washington since the team landed local prospect and Roosevelt two-way lineman Ah Deong Yang on Nov. 25, 2024. He is also one of only two non-Pacific Northwest recruits in UW’s 2026 class, joining kicker CJ Wallace, who is also from Southern California. The other current commits—Yang, Sanoe, Eastside Catholic linebacker Wassie Lugolobi, and Evergreen High athlete Terrance Saryon—are all from Washington or Oregon. Jiles is the first defensive back to commit in the class, as Saryon is expected to start his college career at wide receiver.
Jiles will enter a Washington secondary with plenty of available playing time in 2026. While the group appears set for 2025, key contributors—including cornerback Ephesians Prysock, Arizona transfer Tacario Davis, sixth-year safety Makell Esteen, and 2024 contributor Dyson McCutcheon—are expected to use up their eligibility after the upcoming season. FIU transfer CJ Christian is also a senior under current eligibility rules but may have an extra year due to his junior college background.
Washington’s secondary has undergone significant turnover, with seven scholarship players—cornerbacks and safeties—entering the transfer portal this past winter. Departures included 2024 All-Big Ten honorable mention Thaddeus Dixon, starting nickel Jordan Shaw, Sugar Bowl standout Elijah Jackson, former four-star recruits Peyton Waters and Curley Reed III, Sumner High product Tristan Dunn, and former Oregon transfer Darren Barkins.
Additionally, Washington must reduce its scholarship count by eight before fall camp to meet its self-imposed 85-player limit.
Behind its veteran leaders, UW has a relatively young and untested secondary heading into the 2025 season. Former four-star prospect Caleb Presley, a Rainier Beach High standout, has battled injuries during his time at UW. Leroy Bryant, who started in the Sun Bowl against Louisville, had his promising fall camp in 2024 interrupted by an injury.
The Huskies also brought in safety Alex McLaughlin, an FCS All-American at Northern Arizona, though he faces a significant transition to Power Five football. Former four-star recruit Vincent Holmes briefly switched to wide receiver before returning to defense last year.
Several young defensive backs redshirted in 2024, including Rahim Wright II and Garfield High star Rahshawn Clark, who played limited snaps as true freshmen. Wright missed time due to injury. Cornerback Elias Johnson and safety Paul Mencke Jr. also redshirted but did not see the field.
Washington’s 2025 recruiting class featured four defensive backs, including two highly rated prospects: Bonita High cornerback Dylan Robinson and Mountain Pointe High safety Rylon Dillard-Allen. The Huskies also signed former Texas Tech commit Ramonz Adams and Spanaway Lakes High standout D’Aryhian Clemons. Dillard-Allen and Adams enrolled early for the winter quarter.
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