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4 Huskies who will need to have great games in order to beat No. 1 Ohio State

Some less talked about role players will need to step up against a lethal Ohio State squad
ByDylan Kane|
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Xe'ree Alexander (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Colorado State Rams at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Xe'ree Alexander (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Colorado State Rams at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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3. Omari Evans

Boston and Coleman can't be the only pass targets for Williams to throw to. Last game, they accounted for 12 of the team's 16 receptions, with no other player having more than one catch. A talented Buckeyes defense will be able to key in on Boston and Coleman, meaning other receivers will need to be reliable.

While true freshman Dezmen Roebuck and Raiden Vines-Bright have been serviceable wideouts early on, the Huskies will need the big-game experience from Penn State transfer Omari Evans to be an X-factor. Evans played in his first game as a Husky last weekend, catching one pass that went for 59 yards and a touchdown.

That big-play ability would be huge against the Buckeyes, but the offense would like him to catch passes at a high volume more than anything. Most importantly, the senior receiver has experience in big moments -- he caught a touchdown in both the Big Ten title game against Oregon and the CFP quarterfinal against Boise State during the Nittany Lions' playoff run a year ago.

4. Decker DeGraaf

Once again, the Huskies will need more players to step up as threats in the passing game, especially from the tight end position. Sophomore Decker DeGraaf is the only tight end on the roster with a reception this season, and even then, he's been quiet with only five for 26 yards.

The tight end slot was a crucial safety net for Michael Penix Jr. during Washington's national championship run in the 2023 season, with players like Jack Westover and Devin Culp giving great production. This year's Washington team will need that same aspect, especially against an Ohio State defense that features stud linebacker Sonny Styles, and it all starts with DeGraaf.

Still young, DeGraaf was a decent contributor as a freshman with three receiving touchdowns a season ago. His physical tools and talent level is probably greater than a tight end like Westover, it's just a matter of him utilizing them in the most optimal way. Of course, he's also going to need to be a force as a blocker against a strong and fast Buckeyes defense.

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