Washington's Senior Bowl Contingent
The Washington Huskies have placed seven players on the Panini Senior Bowl preseason watchlist, a testament to the program's depth as the team prepares for the upcoming college football season.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr., entering his second full season as the Huskies' starter, joins a select group of 25 signal callers recognized for their potential ahead of the NFL draft.
Offensive line stalwarts Drew Azzopardi, Landen Hatchett and Elinneus Davis were also selected from a 300‑player pool, with Azzopardi opting to return after a resurgent 2025 campaign.
Defensive tackle Elinneus Davis, a returning contributor, is expected to anchor the interior line, while edge rusher Russell Davis II, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a patellar tendon injury, is now fully healthy and projected to make an immediate impact.
Hybrid linebacker Xe'ree Alexander, capable of rushing the passer or dropping into coverage, adds versatility to a crowded Washington defensive unit, and safety Alex McLaughlin, an honorable‑mention All‑Big Ten selection in 2025, has continued to elevate his play during spring and summer workouts.
Conference Standing and Historical Context
The watchlist places Washington in a tie for 15th overall with Clemson, Kentucky and Miami, trailing traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Texas A&M, Texas and Georgia, who occupy the top spots.
The Senior Bowl, held each year in Mobile, Alabama during Mardi Gras, serves as a premier showcase for college seniors and early‑entry underclassmen transitioning to professional football.
Recent alumni such as Carver Willis and Ephesians Prysock have used the event as a springboard, earning NFL draft selections after impressive performances in Mobile.
Apple Cup Outlook
Landen Hatchett is slated to be fully healthy and ready to start at center when Washington faces its in‑state rivals in the Apple Cup on September 6, 2026, a game that could further cement the Huskies' rising profile.