As the Washington Huskies, led by Jedd Fisch, gear up to face the USC Trojans on October 3rd, all eyes will be on how these two teams match up in what promises to be a thrilling Big Ten clash. For USC, this game marks their third Big Ten matchup of the season, following battles against Rutgers and Oregon. By this point, the Trojans will be halfway through their season, making this a pivotal moment as they assess their progress.
Jedd Fisch has proven to be a formidable opponent for USC in the past. His Arizona team gave the Trojans a run for their money in 2022 before narrowly losing 45-37.
Two years later, Fisch's Washington squad managed to edge out a victory over USC, 26-21, in a rain-soaked game in Seattle. With that history, the Huskies are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.
Let's dive into the current state of the Washington Huskies as they prepare for this significant matchup.
Washington Huskies Snapshot:
- 2026 Record: 9-4
- Big Ten Standing: Tied for 7th with a 5-4 record
- Team Rankings: Offensive Efficiency Index (OFEI): 18 Defensive Efficiency Index (DFEI): 20 Special Teams Efficiency Index (SFEI): 75
- Recruiting Class Ranks: High School: 12 Transfer Class: 59
The Latest Developments:
Fisch stepped into the role at Washington after the Huskies' impressive run to the national championship game under Kalen DeBoer. With DeBoer moving on to Alabama and athletic director Jen Cohen heading to Troy, Fisch took the reins in the Pacific Northwest.
His inaugural season saw the Huskies finish 6-7, but last year they improved to 9-4, capped with a victory in the LA Bowl. While they didn't crack the final AP rankings, it was a clear step forward.
This offseason was anything but dull for the Huskies. Their starting quarterback, Demond Williams, had a standout season, completing 70% of his passes and amassing 25 touchdowns.
He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 611 yards and six touchdowns. However, the offseason drama unfolded when Williams briefly entered the transfer portal, sparking rumors of a move to LSU.
Just days later, he announced his return to Washington, ensuring stability at the QB position.
Spring practices were a mixed bag for Williams. While he didn't shine, he focused on mastering the playbook and adapting to Fisch's strategies for the 2026 season. Spring football is all about fundamentals, and while Williams thrives under the pressure of game day, this period was about laying the groundwork for the season ahead.
The Huskies, much like USC, are focusing on building their roster with homegrown talent. With 14 new transfers and strong recruiting classes, Fisch is setting the foundation for sustained success.
The Bottom Line:
The matchup against USC is set to be a highlight on Washington's schedule. The timing couldn't be more intriguing, as the Huskies face the Trojans right after USC's emotionally charged game against Oregon.
Whether USC comes off a win or a loss, the challenge for the Trojans will be to avoid a letdown against a talented Washington team hungry to make a statement. With both teams boasting strong rosters and a history of competitive games, fans can expect a battle that will have significant implications for the Big Ten standings.
In Other News...
Indiana Just Lost Another Experienced Arm To The Portal
USC kept adding to its pitching depth this offseason with the arrival of Anthony Gubitosi, a veteran left-hander who is moving on for his fifth collegiate season after stops at Delaware and Indiana. The portal move gives the Trojans another experienced arm to plug into a staff that has helped them reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons, with the program still pushing to take the next step in 2027.
Gubitosis path has been a winding one, and USC is betting that the mileage matters as much as the raw numbers. He worked mostly out of Indianas bullpen last season, and his profile fits the kind of depth piece that can matter over a long spring, especially for a team trying to build enough pitching to survive the postseason grind. [Read more 🡒]
What SoCal Coaches Are Saying About USC Recruiting Under Chad Bowden
USCs recruiting operation has taken on a different tone under general manager Chad Bowden, and plenty of Southern California high school coaches have noticed. The shift is centered on keeping elite West Coast talent close to home, with Bowden and his staff making a clearer push to land top local players while also being more direct about what USC can offer.
Some coaches around the region see that approach as a welcome change, especially the clearer communication around NIL opportunities that used to feel murkier. Others are not fully convinced the new formula will age well, and at least one voice in the local coaching community still views USC as too old school, with skepticism that lofty recruiting rankings alone will tell the full story. [Read more 🡒]
USC Has A Playoff Push Riding On These Surprise Contributors
USCs 2026 outlook isnt just about the familiar names at the top of the depth chart. The Trojans are also banking on the kind of growth that usually decides whether a team can survive the grind of a playoff chase, with returning pass-catchers, a deeper defensive line and a new coordinator in Gary Patterson all creating room for players who spent last fall waiting for their chance.
Zacharyus Williams is one of the more interesting examples after transferring from Utah and losing most of 2025 to injury, while the secondary could open up quickly with injuries thinning the group and RJ Sermons waiting in line for more work. On the other side of the ball, younger defenders such as freshman lineman Boucard have already shown they can contribute, and USCs hope is that this next wave of surprise contributors can do more than just fill snaps when the season starts to test the roster. [Read more 🡒]