Cornerbacks
In contrast to linebacker, cornerback is the guaranteed bright spot for the Huskies defense. Already a position group that heavily contributed to one of the best pass defenses in college football a season ago, it adds former Arizona Wildcat Tacario Davis via the transfer portal.
Davis will be the star of the entire defense. He has made his all-conference team twice already in his career, and already has familiarity playing under coach Fisch. At 6 foot 4 he plays with tremendous physicality, as he's broken up 22 passes and has made 76 tackles in his collegiate career thus far.
Playing across the field from Davis will be Ephesians Prysock, UW's other returning starter on defense, and the team's best corner in 2024. Prysock is also listed at 6 foot 4, giving the Huskies fantastic size at the position. Both players are also considered potential prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Safeties
Washington's safety group should also be strong this season, defined by its experience, leadership, and depth. Graduate Makell Esteen has been with the Washington program since 2020, and has grinded it out from being a deep reserve to being one of the most impactful players on defense last season. He was rewarded for his efforts and loyalty by being named a team captain for this season.
Starting next to Esteen in week one will be Alex McLaughlin, a transfer from Northern Arizona where he was a monster for the Lumberjacks. In two seasons, he was named an FCS Freshman All-American, First Team and Second Team All-Big Sky, and Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week three separate times.
McLaughlin started in nearly all 23 games he played, recording an insane 167 tackles and six interceptions. Let's hope he can continue that production as he makes the jump from the FCS to the Big Ten.
Rounding out UW's rotational safeties will be FIU transfer CJ Christian. Christian started 19 games for the Panthers in the past two seasons, totalling 134 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. He is a more than capable depth piece if Esteen or McLaughlin need to come off the field, or if Walters deploys formations with all three of them playing at once.