Things have changed a lot for the Washington Huskies since their loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.
Head coach Cullen DeBoer left Alabama to replace Nick Saban. Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Michael Pennis Jr. was taken eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons, leading wide receiver Rome Odunze was just behind Pennis at ninth by the Chicago Bears and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu was taken 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Washington drafted 10 players and had over 24 transfers. Transfer Portal The departures this offseason have been staggering and will be difficult for the team to overcome quickly. New Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, coming off a 10-3 season with Arizona, acknowledged just how different the 2024 team will be.
“We’ll have 46 new scholarship players on a team that went to a national championship,” Fisch said at Big Ten Media Day on Thursday, “and come Aug. 31, we’ll have a new coaching staff, training staff, strength staff, nutritionist and 21 of our 22 starters will be new. This is unprecedented, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
Fisch said that because of revenue sharing, NIL and the NCAA, now is a “perfect time to re-establish and re-launch our brand.” increase The scholarship limit will be increased from 85 to 105.
The prognosis is that the reboot won’t be a success from the get-go for Fisch and Washington. Washington is currently ranked 31st at the start of the season in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), with just a 68.9% chance of winning at least six games. Washington finished last year with a 14-1 record and a final ranking of 12th in the FPI. The odds of winning a Big Ten championship in the conference’s first year are also not high. Washington is 9th best odds (+8000) Odds to win the Big Ten at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Although there may be growing pains in 2024, Washington fans have a few reasons to be excited about this season. Washington has acquired 28 transfers, including former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers. Rogers has started 40 games and has 12,315 passing yards and 94 touchdowns. Rogers is a natural successor to Pennis Jr., and his experience and leadership will be greatly appreciated.
Additionally, Steve Belichick, the son of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, is the new defensive coordinator. Fisch noted Belichick’s involvement with Washington’s program, as well as former USC and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll’s involvement. Fisch believes Belichick and Carroll’s involvement with the program will be a selling point for recruits.
“Having Coach Belichick and Coach Carroll come to practice is a big advantage for us,” Fisch explained, “two of the four or five coaches on Mount Rushmore’s coaching staff are committed to our football program, which is one of the main reasons we say we’re giving our players the best chance to play in the NFL.”
It’s not a bad thing to have Belichick and Carroll on the team, but they’re not the ones who will decide whether this reboot will be a success or failure. If Washington exceeds expectations, Fisch will have been one of the best coaches in college football this season. He’s passionate about his vision and is aware of all the uphill battles he’s faced and the ones that will come. He said he’s excited about the challenge and hopes his players are excited along with him.
