Following a national runner-up finish, the Washington Huskies are coming off their best season since 2000. However, the team had little time to bask in their accomplishment. Just four days after falling to the Wolverines in Houston, it was announced that Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer would be leaving for Tuscaloosa to replace Nick Saban after two seasons with the Huskies and a 25-3 record.
Now, the next chapter in Washington’s history will be written on new parchment in the Big Ten with a new author leading the team. With the significant changes in the roster and coaching staff, what are reasonable expectations for the Huskies in 2024?
Let’s dive into one of the newest members of the Big Ten.
The Basics
- Game Info: October 5, kickoff time TBD (Husky Stadium, television network TBD)
- 2023 Record: 14-1; 9-0
- 2024 Projected Wins: 7 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Roster Moves
- Key NFL Draft Losses:
- QB Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons)
- WR Rome Odunze (Chicago Bears)
- OL Troy Fautanu (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- WR Ja’Lynn Polk (New England Patriots)
- OL Roger Rosengarten (Baltimore Ravens)
- DE Bralen Trice (Atlanta Falcons)
- WR Jalen McMillan (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- LB Edefuan Ulofoshio (Buffalo Bills)
- S Dominique Hampton (Washington Commanders)
- TE Devin Culp (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- UDFA Signings:
- TE Jack Westover (Seattle Seahawks)
- RB Dillon Johnson (Tennessee Titans)
- DT Tuli Letuligasenoa (Los Angeles Rams)
- LB Ralen Goforth (Green Bay Packers)
- Key Returners:
- CB Elijah Jackson
- LB Alphonzo Tuputala
- Edge Voi Tunuufi
- Key 2024 Recruits:
- QB Dermaricus Davis
- OT Paki Finau
- ATH Rahshawn Clark
- Key Transfer Portal Additions:
- QB Will Rodgers
- LB Bryun Parham
- WR Jeremiah Hunter
- Key Transfer Portal Subtractions:
- CB Jabbar Muhammad
- C Parker Brailsford
- S Asa Turner
State of the Program
To replace DeBoer, Washington appointed Arizona head coach and former Michigan offensive coordinator, Jedd Fisch. Despite the massive overhaul in Seattle, Fisch is in a relatively easier situation compared to his last stop. At Arizona, he took the Wildcats from a 1-11 record in his first season to 10-3 in his third year, marking Arizona’s first 10-win season since 2014.
Fisch has brought in two legacy coaches as his top coordinators: Brennan Carroll (offensive coordinator, son of Pete) and Steve Belichick (defensive coordinator, son of Bill). Carroll was with Fisch at Arizona, and Belichick spent the last 12 seasons with the New England Patriots.
Challenges Ahead
Fisch and his staff are facing significant challenges, including a demanding travel schedule with four of the Huskies’ five road games being 1,700 miles or more away. They also have home games against Michigan and USC, and road games at Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa.
Personnel changes are another major challenge. The team needs to determine their starting quarterback, rebuild their secondary, and replace their top eight receiving weapons. They also need to implement new offensive and defensive schemes.
Outlook for 2024
Despite these challenges, there is optimism around the program. Fisch has a proven track record and has demonstrated his ability to rebuild teams. While 2024 will likely be a step-back season for the Huskies, it should not be seen as a return to the struggles of previous years. The foundation laid last year, despite the current challenges, provides hope that the Huskies could be back to double-digit wins as soon as 2025.
Key Points
- New Head Coach: Jedd Fisch, known for turning around Arizona’s program.
- Top Coordinators: Brennan Carroll (OC) and Steve Belichick (DC).
- Significant Roster Changes: Key losses to the NFL, important returners, and new recruits/transfers.
- Challenging Schedule: Tough home and away games, significant travel distances.
- Optimistic Future: Despite expected challenges in 2024, the team is poised for a strong comeback in 2025.
