3-star 2026 DL Ronald Derrick III commits to ASU football

ASU football added to its Texas recruiting haul with the addition of 2026 defensive end Ronald Derrick III, who announced his commitment Sunday.

Out of Waco University High, Derrick was recognized by Rivals as a three-star prospect, while 247 Sports had not yet evaluated him.

Half of ASU’s 2026 commits have come from the Lone Star State.

Arizona, UNLV and Rice were among the other schools interested, and an official visit to Northwestern preceded one he took to Tempe over the weekend that apparently sold him.

Official visit @ASUFootball Let’sGo‼️👀 pic.twitter.com/8HnHewzlir

— 🚨Ronald Derrick III🚨 (@Ro_Derrrick92) June 6, 2025

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he totaled 31 tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack across eight games as a junior.

Who else has ASU football added to its defense for 2026?

Derrick makes 16 total commits in the 2026 class for Arizona State, including seven on the defensive side.

He was the second commit in as many days after JUCO offensive lineman Siosaia Lapuaho announced his choice Saturday.

Derrick is ASU’s second defensive line addition, joining top-rated defensive commit EDGE Julian Hugo (No. 463 overall), who also hails from Texas.

Linebackers Oscar Aguilar and Mason Marden as well as defensive backs Jalen Williams, DaQuwan Dunn and Zeth Thues make up the rest of the defensive haul to this point.

A wealth of playing time on Arizona State’s defense — and especially up front — will likely be available after this fall as many contributors are set to exhaust their eligibility.