Washington football secured its second 2026 defensive back commitment in under 24 hours, as Mount Tahoma High cornerback announced his decision. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound prospect became the seventh member of UW’s 2026 recruiting class, following IMG Academy defensive back Ksani Jiles’ commitment on Sunday afternoon.
Elijah Durr, rated as a five-star recruit, ranks as the No. 11 player in Washington and the No. 75 cornerback nationally according to the 247Sports composite. However, 247Sports independently lists him as the state’s No. 7 player. He held offers from several programs, including Arizona, Arizona State, California, Cincinnati, Illinois, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
According to Greg Biggins, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, Durr plays with a physical style, effectively uses his length in contested situations, and demonstrates sound technique without relying on grabbing or holding. Biggins also highlighted Durr’s strong ball skills, crediting his experience as a wide receiver at Mount Tahoma. He noted that improving his top-end speed would enhance his ability to cover faster college receivers.
Durr joins a Washington secondary that is projected to have plenty of available snaps in 2026, as the team expects to lose multiple key contributors after the 2025 season. Presumed starters Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis, along with nickelback Dyson McCutcheon, are all set to exhaust their eligibility. Additionally, the Huskies saw five cornerbacks enter the transfer portal during the winter window, including Thaddeus Dixon, Elijah Jackson, Jordan Shaw, Curley Reed III, and Darren Barkins.
Coach Jedd Fisch’s commitment to recruiting in-state talent is evident with Durr’s pledge. He becomes the fourth Washington native to commit to UW in the 2026 cycle, joining linebacker Wassie Lugolobi (Eastside Catholic), athlete Terrance Saryon (Evergreen High), and lineman Ah Deong Yang (Roosevelt High). Fisch has continued to prioritize local talent, contrasting with the previous staff’s limited success in that area.
Durr’s commitment also aligns with a broader trend Fisch established in the 2025 cycle, where five in-state recruits joined the Huskies. This marks a shift from previous years when recruiting success within Washington was more limited. Fisch’s efforts to lock down local prospects could pay off as he continues to build the program.