As the Huskies embark on their first season in the Big 10 in 2024, let’s take a closer look at the current state of the team.
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (1st season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Brennan Carroll (1st season)
- Defensive Coordinator: Steve Belichick (1st season)
Recent History:
Washington is entering the Big 10 on the heels of one of its most successful seasons in recent history. The Huskies enjoyed an undefeated regular season last year and secured a spot in the national championship game after a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal victory over the Texas Longhorns. However, their national title aspirations were cut short by Michigan, the reigning Big Ten champions. This success led to former head coach Kalen DeBoer’s departure to Alabama.
Under DeBoer, Washington experienced a significant resurgence. After a 4-8 season in 2021, the Huskies bounced back with an 11-2 record in 2022 and an impressive 14-1 finish last season. The COVID-affected 2020 season saw Washington go 3-1. Now, with Jedd Fisch at the helm, fresh off a 10-3 season at Arizona and a No. 11 ranking in the final AP Top 25 of 2023, the Huskies are poised for a new chapter.
Offensive Stars:
- Quarterback: Will Rogers
- Running Back: Jonah Coleman
- Wide Receivers: Jeremiah Hunter, Giles Jackson
- Tight End: Keleki Latu
Washington’s offense took a hit with the loss of key players from last year’s national title run. However, they have an experienced quarterback in Will Rogers, formerly of Mississippi State, ready to lead the charge. Rogers will be joined by Arizona transfer Jonah Coleman in the backfield and veteran receiver Jeremiah Hunter, a transfer from Cal, providing reliable targets downfield.
Defensive Stars:
- Linebackers: Carson Bruener, Bryun Parham
- Cornerbacks: Ephesians Prysock, Jordan Shaw, Elijah Jackson
- Safety: Kamren Fabiculanan
- Defensive Line: Jayden Wayne, Russell Davis II, Sebastian Valdez, Jayvon Parker
On the defensive side, Washington utilized the transfer portal to address gaps across the roster. Key additions include defensive linemen Jayden Wayne from Miami and Russell Davis II from Arizona, as well as safety Ephesians Prysock from Arizona. These transfers are expected to play significant roles in shoring up the Huskies’ defense.
Bottom Line:
Among the four new teams joining the Big Ten in 2024, Washington presents the biggest enigma. While Oregon arrives with high expectations and UCLA is in rebuild mode, Washington and USC are wild cards. The coaching turnover and heavy reliance on transfer players make Washington the biggest unknown. Yet, the Huskies have a strong foundation with a solid coaching hire and quality transfers, ensuring they won’t be an easy opponent for anyone in the Big 10 this season.
