One day as he was going for lunch, the Orange Lutheran freshman’s phone buzzed. It was his HC asking him to “come to my office.” Of course, without a context, the only thought that runs through your mind is “I hope I’m not in trouble.” So as the 6’5, 295-pound high school lineman made his way to his HC’s office, he couldn’t believe the news he received. An offer from a college! It is rare to pull attention of any program at such a young age, but an offer? In fact, that was just the beginning for the talented IOL. Interestingly, as the offers kept coming in, the footballer became more certain, “I want to keep my options open so at a later time I can decide what place best fits me.” And he also had an answer to what he was looking for.

“When it comes to school I want a culture that is authentic. I embrace the fact that I am loved and supported by my peers. Orange Lutheran has given me an aspect of what I look for in a school, great academics and great athletics.” One that fits the bill, is the Capital. The 4-star OT Samuelu Utu attracted 29 offers from coast to coast before his junior prom, but with visits lined up, he can lean towards Washington and HC Jedd Fisch. In fact, it seems like although he will soon go to many blue blood programs like his mother’s favorite Notre Dame or USC just an hour away from his home, On3’s Steve Wiltfong is calling on his crystal ball to land Utu with the Huskies.

Back on April 25, Orange Lutheran 4-star OT Samuelu Utu took a visit to Washington. And since then, the tide is starting to shift. Yesterday, On3 Recruits tweeted a report by Steve Wiltfong where he “logged an expert prediction for Washington to land 4-star IOL Samuelu Utu.” That’s right. Jedd Fisch and the Huskers might be pulling off a major recruiting heist. And we’re talking about the player who’s been in the top charts of football royalty. However, there’s no sleeping for Fisch and Co., despite the crystal ball prediction.

Utu’s still got major visits coming up — SMU in early June and Texas on June 20. The future only becomes more interesting as back in February, Steve had predicted that the Trojans might make the cut. So this isn’t over by any stretch.

However, per Steve’s report, the source stated that “right now Washington is looking good.” Additionally, 247Sports also predicts Washington in Utu’s favor. So, before that official visit to SMU and Texas, the Huskies better lay out all they have when Utu comes to them over the weekend of May 30. Because this is a gem that’s on everyone else’s radar too. 247Sports’ Greg Biggins also couldn’t help but praise him.

Biggins said, “He shows very good feet and is a plus athlete who doubles as one of the area’s top volleyball players. He’s a dominant run blocker as well, who gets a strong push, is physical at the point of attack, and is a finisher. He can get the second level and has all the physical tools to play for any school in the country.”

Based on game tape, Samuelu Utu is a straight-up bully. He starts at left tackle but projects inside at the college level, hence his No. 14 national ranking among interior offensive linemen. Highly skilled as a run blocker or pass protector. He’s also an ace volleyball player, adding to his coordination.

In February, he punched his ticket to the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, which has become a premier national high school all-star game. It should serve as a preview of what’s to come when Utu hits the Power Five stage. Moreover, being in one of the toughest conferences in high school, Utu coming out at the top adds to his capabilities. His potential commitment would be massive, literally and figuratively, for a Washington team trying to beef up the line.

Jedd Fisch is making moves for Washington

Washington already has 5-star tackle Kodi Greene locked in, along with versatile 3-star Ah Deong Yang. Add Samuelu Utu in the mix, and it could develop into one of the most formidable young O-lines in the nation. Jedd Fisch is still shopping too. He’s eyeing at least one more OL, maybe two. One inside guy, like their Orange target, and another tackle to round out the 2026 class. But the skill positions are moving too, pinning more trouble for Jedd Fisch in his replacement of Kalen DeBoer.

WR Terrance Saryon decommitted and flipped to BYU. But the Huskies are still alive for Norman North wideout Mason James, who lists Washington in his top five and visits Montlake on June 6 before putting the suspense at rest on June 25, his commitment date. And don’t sleep on Fisch’s coast-to-coast grind either. UW also offered 4-star Messiah Hampton out in Rochester, NY – proving they’ll go anywhere to get their guy.

Washington’s 2026 class currently sits at No. 24 nationally with nine commits. But if Jedd Fisch lands Samuelu Utu, that number will go up fast.