The Washington Huskies secured an important late addition to their 2026 recruiting class after defensive tackle Joseph Peko announced Wednesday that he is flipping his commitment from Colorado to Washington.
Peko, a 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive lineman and son of longtime NFL veteran Domata Peko, had pledged to Colorado in December 2025 but never officially signed with the Buffaloes. Instead, he confirmed through social media that he will join coach Jedd Fisch’s program this summer.
The talented defensive tackle becomes the 26th player in Washington’s 2026 class and the sixth defensive lineman in the group. During his time at Oaks Christian High School in California, Peko emerged as a highly regarded three-star recruit, ranking among the top defensive linemen nationally according to 247Sports composite rankings.
Explaining his decision, Peko said Washington offered the best overall opportunity both athletically and academically. He also expressed excitement about developing under defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi and head coach Jedd Fisch.
Before choosing Washington, Peko received scholarship offers from several major programs including Michigan, Oregon, Miami, UCLA, USC, Arkansas, Louisville, and North Carolina. He previously took official visits to Colorado and North Carolina before originally committing to the Buffaloes.
His connection to Colorado was strengthened by his father, Domata Peko, who served as Colorado’s defensive line coach before leaving in February to join the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff. However, a spring visit to Washington ultimately convinced Joseph Peko to make the move to Seattle.
Football runs deep in the Peko family. His older brother, Domata Peko Jr., signed with Colorado as one of the nation’s top junior college edge rushers. His father enjoyed a 14-year NFL career after starring at Michigan State, while several other relatives also played in the NFL, including Kyle Peko, Tupe Peko, and former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.
On the field, Joseph Peko built an impressive résumé at Oaks Christian. He earned first-team all-league honors as both a sophomore and junior while contributing on both sides of the ball. During his senior season, he recorded 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup in just five games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Washington’s defensive tackle room underwent significant turnover after the 2025 season, with multiple departures through graduation, the NFL Draft, and the transfer portal. To rebuild the position, coach Jason Kaufusi added several transfers alongside a strong freshman class featuring prospects such as JD Hill, Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, David Schwerzel, and Ta’a Malu.
Peko now joins that young defensive front as the Huskies continue reshaping their roster for the future.
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