The Washington Huskies are 5-1 (2-1 in Big Ten), and have an upcoming matchup against Michigan that can solidify them as a top-25 team in the nation if they can come out of the Big House with a win.
It's been a wild ride for Huskies fans since reaching the 2024 National Championship Game -- coach Kalen DeBoer bolted for Alabama, the university joined the Big Ten, and the football team played a dissappointing 6-7 2024 season, albeit with all six of those wins coming at home.
However, things seem to be settling in this season, as second-year coach Jedd Fisch has the Huskies back where they should be as a team that no opponent can take lightly. There's been some hiccups, but here are four reasons why fans should be optimistic about where the program is heading.
1. Demond Williams Jr.
Plain and simple, Washington's quarterback is good enough reason to watch the Dawgs play no matter who the opponent is and what the team's record is at. Demond Williams Jr. is still only a sophomore, but has displayed the dynamic playmaking ability that sets him apart from his peers at the position across college football.
Williams is the complete package: he has the innate arm talent that is capable of hitting any pass on the field, the elusive speed and athleticism that allows him to use his legs to scurry out of bleak situations and level up the run game as a whole, and has shown the awareness to be able to process the game at a high level and make the right decisions.
Through 19 games in his collegiate career, Williams has a fantastic 75.7 completion percentage, throwing for 2,572 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. On the ground, he has rushed for about 35 yards per game (664 total), with six touchdowns. This season, his 2,010 total yards accounted for are first in the Big Ten and fourth in the entire nation.
Williams can easily insert his name in Heisman trophy conversations this season if he and the Huskies can keep winning, but even if he doesn't, he will surely be able to next season, and maybe even one or two more after if he doesn't leave UW early for the NFL Draft.
Husky fans saw the impact that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left on the program, and Williams can easily replicate that -- he has the ceiling to lead the Huskies to another CFP title game.
2. Freshman contributors
Washington's 2025 freshman class has already left a significant mark on the field, which is a great sign for two reasons. One, it makes the team better and more deep in the present, and two, they'll be the players that ultimately become pillars of the program going forward. With Williams still young himself, the Huskies can solidify themselves as a powerhouse if the young surrounding talent continues to develop.
Dezmen Roebuck and Raiden Vines-Bright are true-freshman wide receivers that have instantly helped Williams out on offense. Roebuck is already averaging a solid 55.2 receiving yards per game, second on the Huskies, and has also caught two clutch touchdowns. Vines-Bright has just 11 receptions for 146 yards and has yet to find the end zone, but has shown glimpses of the ability to be a useful gadget on offense with his quick legs.
On the offensive line, left guard John Mills, who barely just turned 18, is arguably the best lineman on the team already. His PFF grade of 73.3 is ranked 4th out of 21 eligible left guards in the Big Ten, which is incredible considering the 6-foot-6, 325-pound behemoth is probably more naturally suited at a tackle position. Beyond the numbers, Mills plays with the grit and reckless personality that can define the team's physical identity for the many years to come while he's with the program.
The Huskies defense has also gotten key contributions from its true freshmen. Rylon Dillard-Allen has made impactful plays as a reserve safety, totaling 13 tackles. Dylan Robinson has already started two games at cornerback, forcing a fumble and making half a tackle for loss. He also has the 25th-best PFF grade out of 51 qualified Big Ten corners, not bad for a freshman.
These defensive contributions don't include Washington's top recruit from the 2025 class, linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, who has only appeared in one game after coming back from an injury he sustained in high school. Once he ramps back up to speed, he will surely make an impact for a linebacker corps that's been hampered by injuries, with the talent to become Washington's leading tackler for the future.