Youth Movement Fuels Washington's Resurgence Under Jedd Fisch
In just his second year at the helm, Jedd Fisch has the Washington Huskies trending in the right direction-and fast. After a rocky 6-7 campaign in 2024, the Huskies bounced back in a big way, finishing 9-4 and capping off the season with a dominant 38-10 win over Boise State in the Los Angeles Bowl. The turnaround wasn’t just about coaching adjustments or schematic tweaks-it was about the emergence of a young core that stepped up when opportunity knocked.
Injuries and roster turnover opened the door for several true freshmen to play meaningful snaps this season, and they didn’t just fill gaps-they made their presence felt. Three standouts in particular-offensive lineman John Mills, wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck, and safety Rylon Dillard-Allen-earned national recognition for their performances, landing spots on multiple All-Freshman teams.
John Mills: A Versatile Anchor in the Trenches
Let’s start up front with John Mills, who wasted no time making an impact on Washington’s offensive line. A three-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, Mills played like anything but a rookie.
He started all 11 games he appeared in, showing off rare versatility by lining up at left guard in nine contests and shifting to right tackle for two others. That kind of flexibility is a coach’s dream, especially when it comes from a freshman.
Mills’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and was named to multiple All-Freshman lists, including The Athletic, Pro Football Focus, 247Sports, and On3 Sports.
For a young offensive lineman to earn that kind of praise-especially across multiple outlets-speaks volumes about his technique, football IQ, and physicality. He’s already looking like a foundational piece for the Huskies moving forward.
Dezmen Roebuck: A Scoring Threat from Day One
On the outside, Dezmen Roebuck quickly became one of Washington’s top weapons in the passing game. The former three-star recruit hauled in 42 catches for 560 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging a strong 13.3 yards per reception. He capped off his freshman campaign with a touchdown in the bowl game, providing a glimpse of what Husky fans can expect in the years ahead.
Roebuck’s ability to stretch the field and find the end zone made him a reliable target throughout the season, and his production earned him a spot on The Athletic’s All-Freshman team. With some key departures looming in the receiving corps, including the potential early exit of Denzel Boston to the NFL Draft and Raiden Vines-Bright entering the transfer portal, Roebuck is poised to take on an even bigger role in 2026.
Rylon Dillard-Allen: Consistency on the Back End
On defense, Rylon Dillard-Allen brought steadiness and physicality to the secondary. Ranked as the 12th-best safety in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Dillard-Allen lived up to the billing. He played in all 13 games and started three, recording 40 total tackles-34 of them solo-and notching at least one tackle in every game.
That level of consistency from a freshman safety is no small feat. Dillard-Allen’s instincts and tackling ability made him a valuable asset in Washington’s defensive rotation, and his performance earned him a spot on Pro Football Focus’ All-Freshman list alongside teammate John Mills.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Foundation
Jedd Fisch has made a name for himself as a program builder, and what we saw from this freshman class suggests that Washington is laying the groundwork for sustained success. The 2026 recruiting class is already ranked 12th nationally, and with young talent like Mills, Roebuck, and Dillard-Allen leading the way, the Huskies are building something that feels sustainable-and dangerous.
There’s also a changing of the guard coming in the backfield. With senior Jonah Coleman graduating and sophomore Adam Mohammed entering the transfer portal, true freshman Jordan Washington is expected to slide into a starting role next season. If he can follow the lead of his fellow freshmen, Washington’s offense could be even more dynamic in 2026.
The Huskies aren’t just rebuilding-they’re reloading. And with a growing core of young talent already proving they can produce at a high level, Washington is becoming a team to watch in the Big Ten and beyond.