UW Athletics Midweek Rundown: Signing Day, Hoops Battles, and a Big Weekend Ahead
It’s a busy stretch for Washington athletics, and while National Signing Day doesn’t carry quite the same buzz it used to, there’s still plenty happening across Montlake. From football recruiting updates to hoops storylines and Olympic appearances, here’s a full look at where things stand heading into a pivotal week for the Huskies.
Football: Signing Day Quiet, but the Future’s Still in Motion
Today marks the start of the regular signing period for high school football recruits. But if it feels like the excitement is dialed down, that’s because it is.
The Early Signing Period in December has become the main event for most programs, and UW isn’t expected to land any new signees today. That said, recruiting is never truly predictable-surprises happen.
One name that did pop up this week is Asa Thompson, a 2026 athlete out of Eastside Catholic. He committed to Washington as a walk-on defensive back, giving the Huskies an early addition to their future depth chart. These are the kinds of under-the-radar moves that can pay off down the line, especially in a program that’s shown it can develop talent.
Looking ahead, UW fans can circle 2027 on their calendars-that’s when the Huskies are set to travel to face Northwestern. That game will mark Washington’s first trip to the Wildcats’ brand-new Ryan Field, which is slated to open this season. Northwestern will break in the stadium with a conference matchup against Penn State, a team they stunned last year in one of the Big Ten’s bigger surprises.
Meanwhile, the College Football Playoff has released its schedule for the next two seasons. For the 2026-2027 playoff, the quarterfinals will be split across two days: three games on Friday, January 1, and one moved up to Wednesday, December 30 to avoid overlapping with the NFL. It’s a small scheduling tweak, but one that shows just how much the CFP is navigating the broader football calendar.
And in a bit of fan-fueled fun, a poll on X (formerly Twitter) asked users which programs they consider true “college football blue bloods.” Washington didn’t fare well-just 4% of respondents gave the Huskies that label. Here’s how some other programs stacked up:
- Alabama, Ohio State: 93%
- Oklahoma, Notre Dame: 83%
- Michigan: 82%
- USC: 76%
- Texas: 70%
- Nebraska: 67%
- Penn State: 47%
- Georgia: 43%
- Florida State: 27%
- Washington: 4%
It’s a subjective list, of course, but it’s also a reminder of how national perception can lag behind recent success. The Huskies have been knocking on the door of the elite tier-now it’s about staying there.
For fans who love diving into the numbers, Parker Fleming recently published a deep dive into the decline of explosive plays in college football. His key takeaway?
Defenses are adjusting, and big-yardage plays-especially on first down-are becoming harder to come by. It’s a trend worth watching as offensive coordinators look to counterpunch.
Men’s Basketball: Tough Sledding, but Context Matters
The Huskies’ men’s basketball team has hit a rough patch, sitting at 4-7 in conference play. But before sounding the alarm, it’s worth noting: Washington has faced the toughest conference schedule in the country. That’s not just coach-speak-it’s a real factor when evaluating where this team stands.
Tonight, they’ll take the floor against Iowa, and they’ll do it with purpose. In recognition of World Cancer Day, the team will be wearing pink uniforms-a meaningful gesture in a game that goes beyond the scoreboard.
Women’s Basketball: Sayvia Sellers Shines on the National Stage
While the men have been grinding through a brutal schedule, the UW women’s basketball team continues to pick up steam-and Sayvia Sellers is leading the charge. Sellers was just named National Player of the Week, a well-earned honor for one of the most dynamic players in the country right now. Her playmaking, scoring, and leadership have turned heads and helped position the Huskies as a team to watch down the stretch.
Softball: Season Starts with a Heavyweight Weekend
The UW softball team is set to open its season this weekend at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio, Texas, and they’re not easing into it. Friday starts with matchups against #9 Nebraska and UTSA, followed by a Saturday showdown against #1 Texas. Then it’s a double dip on Sunday, facing both Nebraska and Texas again.
It’s a trial by fire, but also a huge opportunity. Early-season tournaments like this are where teams can make statements-and Washington will have multiple chances to do just that.
Other Notes: Gymnastics, Soccer, and the Olympic Stage
- The UW women’s gymnastics team will be in attendance at tonight’s men’s basketball game, showing support and continuing a great tradition of program unity across Husky athletics.
- Husky fans can also check out a new behind-the-scenes video chronicling the UW men’s soccer team’s journey to the national championship. It’s a look inside the grind, the growth, and the moments that defined their run.
- And on the international stage, a former UW athlete is set to compete in the Winter Olympics, which kick off this weekend.
It’s another proud moment for the program and a reminder of how far Husky athletes can go-on and off the field.
From the recruiting trail to the hardwood to the Olympic stage, there’s no shortage of storylines around UW right now. Whether it’s building for the future or battling through the present, the Huskies are in the thick of it-and the next few days should offer plenty more to talk about.