When Sam Houston State’s Kolt Dieterich transferred to Washington on Jan. 5, he was expected to compete with five-star freshman Kodi Greene for the opening which NFL-bound Carver Willis left at left tackle. However, Dieterich missed spring practice with a shoulder injury, which gave Greene instant access to a first-team spot he now seems sure to keep.
Dieterich has since recovered, but his role as Washington’s swing tackle – a backup who can play on either side in a pinch – appeared set in stone following Greene’s ascension.
Maybe it’s not.
Last year’s starting center, Landen Hatchett, is still recovering from surgery for a broken wrist which he suffered against Illinois in October, and Dieterich has stepped in to replace him. He’s taken first-team reps at center for all three of the padded practices Washington has held so far.
“Yeah, Kolt’s playing, right now, first-team center for us,” head coach Jedd Fisch said after Tuesday’s practice. “And you know, Kolt’s very first time snapping the ball was in spring football.”
Jedd Fisch broke down what he saw from his team after fall practice No. 5 pic.twitter.com/wR27UkeHEa
— Locked On Huskies (@LockedOnHuskies) August 11, 2026
Dieterich transferred to Washington after two years as a starter in Huntsville, Tex., during which all 1221 of his snaps along the offensive line came at the tackle positions. Last year, during his only full season as a starter, Dieterich was Conference USA’s highest-rated offensive tackle according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
However, in an offensive line room as talented as Washington’s, players have to get in where they fit in. And according to Fisch, using Dieterich as a placeholder at center is the best way to get him involved.
Getting Kolt Dieterich reps at center is good for everybody
“I woke up one morning and I said to [Michael Switzer], ‘Why don’t we just get Kolt snapping? Let’s get him snapping,’” Fisch said. “[It’s] one more position he can play. He was not able to practice during [spring camp] with the shoulder, and he started snapping inside, and snapping outside, and now he’s gotten himself to a spot where he’s our starting center.”
Dieterich isn’t expected to hold his new role for too long, as Hatchett plans to be fully healthy by Washington’s Sept. 6 season opener against in-state rivals Washington State. However, there’s a long season coming, and depth is always good. Last year’s starting five offensive linemen missed a combined 11 games, and only played together as a complete unit in six of the team’s 13 games.
“When Landen gets back, now we’ve got opportunities to put Kolt really anywhere,” Fisch said. “That kid is doing a phenomenal job.”
Dieterich’s growing experience at center gives the Huskies additional flexibility if and when injuries arise. With the former Bearkat capable of playing at center or either tackle position, and with last year’s starting right guard, Geirean Hatchett, coming off the bench in 2026, Washington’s offensive line is in an incredibly strong place.
Add us as a preferred source on Google