When head coach Jedd Fisch was hired by the Washington Huskies ahead of the 2024 season, he came in with the reputation of a program rebuilder after leading the Arizona Wildcats to a 10-3 season in 2023.

The Wildcats finished 1-11 in Fisch's first season as a head coach in 2021.

In 2024, the Huskies finished 6-7. Last season, they finished 9-4, capped off with a 38-10 win against the Boise State Broncos in the Los Angeles Bowl.

Washington followed the stellar year by inking a 2026 recruiting class that ranked 12th in the 247Sports Composite at the time of signing day. It was the highest-rated recruiting class in program history.

The trajectory is trending upwards for the Huskies and at least one site has high expectations for the team in 2026.

In a story from Brett McMurphy of On3 Sports, Washington ranked 18th in the site's "way-too-early" poll for 2026. 

The Huskies were one of eight Big Ten teams to be featured in the poll and ranked sixth among those programs. Southern California (USC) checked in one spot behind Washington at 19th and Iowa wasn't too far behind at 21st.

McMurphy had the following summary on the Dawgs in the poll:

There was briefly some uncertainty if quarterback Demond Williams Jr. would remain with the Huskies, but Williams is definitely back at Washington. With Williams and 13 other returning starters, the Huskies could continue their momentum from last season when they closed 5-2 with all five wins by at least 17 points. Williams should benefit behind an offensive line with four returning starters. Even with star wide receiver Denzel Boston off to the NFL, look for Dezmen Roebuck to be Williams’ top target as the Huskies’ offense will continue to succeed under Jedd Fisch.

As mentioned by McMurphy, the Huskies will have to replace decent offensive production in 2026. Boston, who accounted for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, will be going pro this year.

Roebuck, who was a true freshman in 2025, caught 42 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns.

In addition to Roebuck returning, Washington also added Kennesaw State transfer Christian Moss. Four-star wide receiver Jordan Clay was also a part of the team's stout '26 recruiting class.

The Huskies will also look to find production in the backfield. Leading running back Jonah Coleman will also enter the 2026 NFL Draft and backup running back Adam Mohammed transferred to Cal. Washington landed Oregon transfer Jayden Limar, '25 freshman Jordan Washington will be returning and the team signed four-star running back Brian Bonner.

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