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Key Washington Husky named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watchlist

A freshman has proven to be one of the Huskies most crucial players at an important position.
ByDylan Kane|
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; The Washington Huskies offense lines up against the Texas Longhorns defense in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; The Washington Huskies offense lines up against the Texas Longhorns defense in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Coming into the season, offensive line was one of the biggest question marks for the success of the 2025 Washington Huskies. A season before, it allowed 39 sacks and was one of the biggest reasons why the Huskies had their first losing season since 2021.

This season, a lot of that has changed, and coach Jedd Fisch has freshman lineman John Mills to thank for it. Washington has gotten great effort from everyone on its O-line, but Mills specifically has been a bright spot. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound true freshman has started every game at left guard for the Huskies this season, and is consistently graded as one of the best interior lineman in the country by PFF.

For his efforts, Mills was just named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award watchlist. It is one of the newer individual awards in college football, first awarded in 2018, and is given to the most outstanding freshman in a given season.

Mills being named to the watchlist is yet another honor given to him this season, as he was also named to On3's preseason "All-True Freshman" team. Mills was only a three-star recruit and the 49th ranked tackle coming out of St. Ignatius Prep in San Francisco in the class of 2025, but has already proven he made the right decision to flip his commitment from Texas to Washington -- where he's earned a major role with early playing time.

However, Mills went down with an injury in Washington's most recent game against Maryland, and was seen wearing a walking boot on the sideline in the second half. With left tackle Carver Willis also dealing with an injury, the Huskies O-line will once again be tested going forward. It is hopeful, however, that these injuries aren't serious.

Husky fans would love to see Mills suit up again as soon as possible, but should also be cautious about rushing his recovery, as he is the future of the program's offensive line. We found out recently that Mills is young even for freshman standards, at just 17 years old. He's only going to get stronger, more experienced, and more skilled with time, with the talent to move over to the tackle position later in his collegiate career.

For now, redshirt freshman Paki Finau will be in line to replace Mills at left guard if he has to miss time with injury. Finau is also young and will benefit with more in-game reps -- he will be another key piece of the Huskies' future at the position. When you throw in the early contributions from other freshmen on UW's roster, most notably Dezmen Roebuck, there's plenty to be optimistic about for the program's present and future.

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