The departure of Kalen DeBoer from Washington football to take the helm at Alabama has sent shockwaves through the program, triggering a series of significant changes.
One notable consequence is the decision by recent transfer quarterback, Will Rogers, to re-enter the transfer portal. Rogers, who had just enrolled at the University of Washington last week, was optimistic about working under DeBoer's guidance to elevate his game, aiming for Heisman trophy contention, much like the transformation DeBoer achieved with Michael Penix Jr.
Rogers brings substantial experience to the table, having started his career at Mississippi State. With 12,315 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, and 28 rushing touchdowns, he has proven himself as a formidable quarterback.
However, DeBoer's exit has not only affected individual players but has also sparked a broader exodus from the Huskies' locker room. Key players departing for the NFL Draft, coupled with the loss of recruits and existing team members to the transfer portal, paints a challenging picture for the Washington football program.
Players entering the draft:
RB Dillon Johnson
WR Rome Odunze
WR Ja'Lynn Polk
WR Jalen McMillan
OL Troy Fautanu
OL Roger Rosengarten
OL Roger Rosengarten
Transfer portal:
DB Mishael Powell
DB Jabbar Muhammad
DB Jaivion Green
QB Dylan Morris (James Madison)
De-commitments:
LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale
Other recruits to watch include wide receiver Jason Robinson Jr. and quarterback Demaricus Davis.
The Huskies now face the dual challenge of rebuilding their roster and maintaining team cohesion in the wake of these substantial changes. The departure of DeBoer has not only impacted the coaching staff but has had a cascading effect on the entire football ecosystem at the University of Washington, raising questions about the team's immediate future and its ability to weather this period of transition.