The Washington Huskies will open their 2026 campaign on Wednesday evening, facing San Diego State at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time. It marks the first meeting of the season and the first test for a squad that entered the year ranked twelfth in the IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.
Washington comes off a season in which it captured the Big Ten double title and posted a stingy defense that logged twenty‑three clean sheets over the last two campaigns, a figure that ranks among the nation’s best. The Huskies hope that defensive identity will carry them into another title run.
The roster blends experience with fresh talent, featuring ten players hailing from California, including five from Southern California, and seventeen athletes who have logged at least three collegiate seasons. That depth should provide continuity as the team looks to build on its recent success in the Pacific‑12.
Star Forward Alex Buck
Among the standouts is third‑year forward Alex Buck, who sits at number twenty‑six in TopDrawerSoccer’s Top‑100 rankings and earned a spot on the publication’s Third Team Best XI. His presence adds offensive firepower to a unit that already boasts a strong defensive foundation.
Goalkeeper Tanner Ijams, a veteran presence between the posts, will anchor a backline that has proven difficult to break. His experience complements the youthful energy of players like Buck, creating a balanced lineup capable of adapting to different opponents.
San Diego State brings its own pedigree to the contest. Under head coach Mike Friesen, the Aztecs have amassed eleven Mountain West championships and made five appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Aztecs hold a 6‑2‑1 edge in the all‑time series, though Washington has won five of the last seven meetings.
The match will be streamed live on the Pac‑12 YouTube channel, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action. In addition, three Washington games are slated for broadcast on the Big Ten Network, including a road trip to UCLA later in the fall.