No.17 Washington
SEATTLE (AP) — 2025 record: 9-4.
Expectations
This marks coach Jed Fisch’s third season leading Washington, and it’s also their third in the Big Ten, though there’s still much to figure out. Most of their toughest competitors, like Iowa and Penn State, along with the reigning national champion Indiana, will be visiting Husky Stadium. How Damond Williams Jr. performs in his second year as starting quarterback will be crucial, especially considering he nearly left the program. Last season, in Washington’s four losses, he had three touchdown passes but also threw six interceptions.
Washington retained 60 players from last year’s roster, though they lost their top rusher, Jonah Coleman, and their leading receiver, Denzel Boston. On the bright side, defensive coordinator Ryan Walters remains, having run a defense that ranked 15th in the FBS for scoring. Additionally, Fisch will be taking over play-calling duties after offensive coordinator Jimmy Dougherty moved on to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
Linebacker is also strong
The 2025 defense was perhaps more effective than expected, and there’s a chance it could improve in 2026, largely due to the strength of the linebacker group. Geely Alexander, who had the second-most tackles with 70 last season, leads this unit. Jacob Manu was limited to five games due to injury but is viewed as having breakout potential. He was a first-team All-Pac-12 player in 2023 and led the conference with 116 tackles. There’s also sophomore Zaydrius Laney Sale, who managed 21 tackles in 2025 despite dealing with injuries.
Overall, the Huskies’ defense is viewed as a strong point, bolstered by other returning players such as safety Alex McLaughlin, who was last year’s top tackler, linebacker Budda Al-Uqdah, and sophomore safety Rashawn Clark.
Weaknesses in attacking skill positions
However, there are some concerns. Coleman, a standout running back in the program’s history, has moved on to the NFL, and Adam Muhammad, who rushed for 523 yards and five touchdowns, has transferred to California. Jordan Washington, the top returning running back, is out after a neck injury he suffered in April.
On a positive note, Washington has brought in fresh talent for the running back position. Senior Trey Cooley, a transfer from Troy, and senior Jayden Rimmer, who ran for 262 yards last season at Oregon, add valuable depth. Fisch has also expressed strong confidence in redshirt freshman Quade Carr.
New Faces
RB Trey Cooley (transferred from Troy), LT Cody Green (freshman), WR Christian Moss (transferred from Kennesaw State), RB Jayden Rimmer (transferred from Oregon State), DT Derek Colman-Brousa (freshman).
Major Losses
RB Jonah Coleman (NFL), WR Denzel Boston (NFL), RB Adam Mohammed (transferred to California State), WR Ryden Vines-Bright (transferred to Arizona State University), OL Paki Finau (transferred to BYU).
Biggest Games for the Buckeyes
University of Southern California (Oct. 3), vs. Penn State (Nov. 7), vs. Indiana (Nov. 21), and Oregon State (Nov. 28).
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