Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch has been selected for the 2026 Dodd Trophy preseason watch list, a honor that spotlights coaches who blend on‑field excellence with a commitment to scholarship, leadership and integrity.
The Dodd Trophy’s Growing Influence
Named after legendary coach Bobby Dodd, the award has become a benchmark for programs that value academic achievement alongside athletic performance. This year’s list comprises just twenty coaches from across the nation, underscoring the selectivity of the recognition.
Fisch’s Huskies showed a dramatic turnaround last season. The offense vaulted from 104th to 17th in scoring, while the red‑zone unit leapt from 104th to 7th. Even the third‑down conversion rate improved, moving from 101st to 10th, giving the team a more potent attack.
Defensively, Washington finished among the Top 15 in both rushing and scoring defense, and the team never allowed more than 26 points in any game. Those numbers reflect a balanced approach that has resonated with players and analysts alike.
Academic performance has been equally impressive. The program posted a program‑best 3.31 GPA for two consecutive quarters, and 43 athletes earned spots on the Big Ten All‑Academic Team. Four students received Academic All‑District honors, and Johan Coleman was named first‑team Academic All‑America, highlighting the team’s emphasis on scholarship.
A midseason watch list will be released later this fall, and the ultimate winner will be announced in December 2026 during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal week in Atlanta, Georgia. The announcement will take place at the Peach Bowl’s host city, bringing additional spotlight to the award’s growing prestige.