Happy Independence Day to everyone with their eyes on Montlake, because the countdown to football is already starting to feel real.
America turns 250 today, and the usual holiday routine is on deck: fireworks, family, friends, and far too much hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and any other decadent dish they can think of. For football fans, though, the holiday comes with another marker on the calendar. In just over 30 days, training camps will open and the long build toward the 2026 football season will begin.
At Washington, there’s plenty to be excited about as the Jedd Fisch era enters its third season.
The Huskies have Demond Williams back, and he remains one of the most dynamic athletes ever to play the position on Montlake. Up front, the offensive line looks as strong as it has since the 2023 group that won the Joe Moore Award. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line brings real promise thanks to some elite young players who could become difference-makers soon enough.
The linebacker room also has a chance to be one of the best in the country, while the secondary is young but intriguing, with safeties Rylon Dillard-Allen and Alex McLaughlin leading the way and Dylan Robinson emerging at cornerback.
There are still questions, especially around the pass rush and the offensive "skill" position players. Washington does have talent there, but those players still need to prove it at this level.
Even with those concerns, the outlook is bright in Seattle. Enjoy the holiday, and get ready for what could be a wild fall.
In Other News...
Washington May Have A Real Shot At A Local Recruiting Flip
Washingtons Class of 2027 is starting to take shape with 23 commitments already in the fold, and the early haul has leaned heavily toward the offensive side with multiple linemen and wide receivers. Even so, the Huskies still have clear work to do on defense, especially at cornerback, where the class is thin and the staff has been active in trying to build out the position group.
One of the more intriguing possibilities is a local flip target who already has a college home lined up elsewhere, but is being evaluated by Washington in a different role. The Huskies are trying to sell the appeal of staying close to home while also showing there may be a better fit on defense, and that kind of pitch can carry extra weight when the staff is looking to add more corners and keep top in-state talent from leaving the region. [Read more 🡒]