Washington’s football program is generating buzz as the 2026 season approaches, landing at No. 15 in Phil Steele’s preseason power poll — a placement that outstrips Steele’s personal ranking of No. 25. The ranking reflects a blend of historical performance and projected strength, positioning the Huskies ahead of several traditional powerhouses.
Within the Big Ten, the Huskies sit sixth, trailing Oregon, USC and UCLA, while the last three national champions — Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana — still outrank them. Notre Dame tops the poll, underscoring the competitive landscape that Washington must navigate.
Strengths are evident across the roster. The quarterback room, anchored by Demond Williams Jr., ranks 18th nationally, while the defensive back unit sits 23rd and the linebacker corps is 20th. Special teams also rank 35th, and the offensive line is positioned 21st, giving the team a solid foundation on both sides of the ball.
However, the coaching staff knows that several weaker units must elevate their play if the Huskies hope to break into the College Football Playoff. Jacob Manu, Zaydrius Rainey‑Sale, Xe'ree Alexander, John Mills and Kodi Greene are among the players expected to step up, alongside cornerback Dylan Robinson, safety Alex McLaughlin and wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout names are quarterback Demond Williams Jr., linebackers Jacob Manu and Zaydrius Rainey‑Sale, and defensive backs Xe'ree Alexander and Dylan Robinson. Their performances will be closely watched as the Huskies aim to translate preseason promise into on‑field success.
Head coach Jedd Fisch has expressed confidence in the talent pool, noting that the team opens fall camp in early August with a palpable sense of optimism. Yet he also cautions that talent alone may not be enough, as the program continues to grow increasingly unable to argue that talent will be the thing that holds them back on the gridiron.