The Washington Huskies have made a significant move for the 2024 season by securing a commitment from former Mississippi State quarterback, Will Rogers. Rogers brings a wealth of experience and production to the table, having been a four-year starter for the Bulldogs. Throughout his career, he amassed over 12,000 passing yards and threw for 94 touchdowns. His track record suggests that he can be a valuable asset to the Huskies.
However, there is a catch. Rogers will only be a Husky for one football season, as he has just one year of eligibility remaining, which means he won't be the long-term answer for the team. The departure of Dylan Morris, the seasoned backup who started several games for the Huskies before the arrival of Penix, further complicates the quarterback situation in the future.
Fortunately, Washington football has some promising options waiting in the wings. Austin Mack, a former 4-star quarterback recruit from Folsom, California, reclassified and graduated from high school early. Standing at an impressive 6'6" and weighing 226 pounds, Mack possesses an NFL arm and had a stellar high school career, throwing for over 40 touchdowns in a single season and leading his team to a state championship. While he is currently redshirting, Mack should have an opportunity to compete for playing time before potentially considering the transfer portal.
Another potential contender is incoming 4-star recruit Dermaricus Davis from Upland, CA. Like Mack, Davis led his high school team to a state championship and broke numerous passing records along the way. With his impressive stats and accolades, Davis could also make a case for the starting spot.
Considering the talent already on the roster, it may not be a bad decision for the Huskies to explore the transfer portal for another quarterback with multiple years of eligibility. Players like Cam Ward, Malachi Nelson, and Maalik Murphy are still undecided and could be valuable additions to the team.
While Will Rogers brings experience and production to the Washington Huskies, his limited eligibility raises questions about his long-term fit. With talented quarterbacks like Austin Mack and Dermaricus Davis waiting in the wings, as well as potential options in the transfer portal, it would be wise for the Huskies to keep the quarterback position open during the 2024 spring practices. This will allow for healthy competition and the opportunity to find the best fit for the team's future success.