Washington’s football staff got some public praise this week, and Jedd Fisch didn’t exactly hide his approval.
A recent set of Big Ten positional coach rankings from Matrix Analytical put several Huskies assistants in the spotlight, and Fisch reacted on his official X account with a GIF that said “facts” after wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings was ranked second among league position coaches. The only receiver coach placed ahead of him was Southern California’s Denis Simons.
Cummings has plenty of results to back up that kind of recognition. He coached Denzel Boston, Washington’s top receiver last season, and Boston was taken in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Boston looks set to compete for a starting role right away as a rookie. Cummings also recruited sophomore Dezmen Roebuck, who is expected to be Williams’ top target this season, along with four-star Class of 2026 receiver Jordan Clay, who could battle for a starting outside job in summer camp.
His recruiting list stretches even further, too, with four Class of 2027 wideouts: four-stars Tre Moore, Dontay Tyson Jr. and Braylon Pope, plus three-star Zerek Sidney.
Washington’s other assistant coaches showed up well in the rankings as well. Linebackers coach Brian Odom came in fourth behind Iowa’s Seth Wallace, Indiana’s Bryant Haines and Penn State’s Tyson Veidt. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters landed third among the Big Ten’s play-callers, trailing only Iowa’s Phil Parker and Indiana’s Haines.
The one ranking that clearly didn’t sit as well with Fisch was the placement of defensive backs coach John Richardson. Richardson was slotted ninth, behind Iowa’s Parker, Ohio State’s Tim Walton, Illinois’ Corey Parker and Ronnie Bradford, Penn State’s Terry Smith, Indiana’s Rod Ojong, Michigan State’s Hank Poteat and Oregon’s Chris Hampton. Fisch answered that one with a GIF of several people scratching their heads.
Richardson, though, has his own track record of producing NFL talent. Starting cornerbacks Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis were both selected in the 2026 NFL draft, going to the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. This season, sophomore Dylan Robinson and senior Emmanuel Karnley are projected to start at corner, and both were among Washington’s top performers in spring practice.
The rankings weren’t perfect for the Huskies, but they did reinforce the broader view around the program: Fisch’s staff is getting noticed. If Washington’s assistants keep producing the way these rankings suggest, the Huskies should be in solid shape next season.
In Other News...
Jedd Fisch Faces A Huge In-State Recruiting Test Again
Washingtons recruiting push is already taking shape around a familiar priority for Jedd Fisch and his staff: keep the best in-state talent home. The Huskies are active on top prospects in the 2027 and 2028 classes, with offensive line targets Gecova Doyal and Tye Kennedy among the names closest to a decision, while DaJohn Yarborough also sits on the board for the coming cycle. Add in the ongoing pursuit of elite 2028 talent, and it is clear Washington is trying to build its next two classes with the same local backbone that has recently helped steady the programs recruiting momentum.
The biggest name to watch may be Tytan McNeal, the top tight end in the 2028 class and the best player in Washington, a profile that makes him more than just another in-state target. The Huskies are making a focused push there as they try to keep that run going with another elite class, and the next few decisions will say plenty about how far that effort can stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Illinois Freshman Defender Already Has Fans Dreaming Bigger For 2026
The early buzz around Big Ten freshmen usually comes with a lot of caveats, but this group has already pushed past the usual wait-and-see stage. Washington tackle Kodi Greene is part of that wave, and his presence among players drawing spring praise says plenty about how quickly some first-year talents are forcing their way into the conversation before the season even gets going.
For the Huskies, Greene is the one to watch most closely because the path for a true freshman offensive lineman is rarely so direct. The bigger picture here is what it means for Washingtons front: if a newcomer is already tracking toward a major role, it changes both the depth chart and the expectations for what the offense can be up front when the real games begin. [Read more 🡒]