The Washington Huskies have bolstered their backfield by signing veteran running back Trey Cooley. With experience spanning Louisville, Georgia Tech, and Troy, Cooley brings a seasoned presence to a team in need of depth following key departures.
The transfer portal window from January 2-16 was a critical period for the Huskies, who faced significant gaps after losing their top two running backs from the 2025 season. Jonah Coleman declared for the NFL draft, while Adam Mohammed transferred to Cal, leaving a void in the roster.
Jordan Washington, who impressed as a freshman with over 200 rushing yards and a touchdown, was set to lead the charge. However, the Huskies sought to infuse more veteran savvy into their lineup. They initially secured Jayden Limar, a senior from Oregon and Lake Stevens native, through the portal.
Now, with Cooley on board, Washington's running back room gains another layer of experience. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, Cooley is entering his sixth college season.
His career stats include 215 carries for 1,009 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and six touchdowns. Additionally, he has demonstrated versatility with 33 receptions for 355 yards and four touchdowns.
Although Cooley missed last season due to injury, his track record suggests he can be a valuable asset.
The current lineup features a mix of youth and experience: sophomore Jordan Washington, redshirt freshmen Quaid Carr, Julian McMahan, and Ryken Moon, alongside senior Beck Walker, freshman Brian Bonner, and Ansu Sanoe. With Limar and Cooley in the mix, the Huskies' backfield is poised for a competitive spring and summer.
Neither Limar nor Cooley has yet to take on the primary role that Coleman held, indicating an open competition for playing time. Head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff now have a rich blend of talent and experience to evaluate, promising an intriguing battle for the starting spots as they prepare for the upcoming season.