Washington may get a new look in the middle of its offensive line Friday night, and Kolt Dieterich’s latest outing could make the transition a little smoother.
After five games handling center duties, the fourth-year Huskies lineman is coming off what was easily his best performance, and now he’s set to slide back into more familiar territory once Landen Hatchett likely makes his season debut against No. 20 Iowa at Husky Stadium. Hatchett has been out since suffering a wrist injury last season, and his return would give Washington another option up front as the Huskies keep sorting out the best combination.
Dieterich’s path to this point has been unusual. He transferred to Washington from San Houston State this past offseason after playing three years at Sam Houston, where he lined up at both guard and tackle.
In 2025, he was the highest-graded player in Conference-USA, and he spent 11 of 12 games at right tackle, with the other coming at left tackle. Center, though, was brand new territory.
The five games he’s played there for Washington were the first center snaps of his life.
That learning curve showed early, but Saturday’s 25-21 loss to No. 19 Southern California offered a clear step forward.
Dieterich earned a 76.4 grade in pass protection, per Pro Football Focus, the best mark of his UW stint and the third-best pass-protection grade among Washington’s linemen in that game. Only John Mills, who split time at left tackle and left guard, at 90.8, and right tackle Drew Azzopardi, at 77.4, graded higher.
“It’s really unique with Kolt, with his ability to come in here and start these first five games at center after never playing it before. I think he’s growing in confidence and ability.
Played one of his better games last week, which was awesome for him. How does that play into the future of moving to a possible guard spot?
I think it is fantastic for him. I think he should feel a great confidence in being able to bump over and find the best combination of that five up front.
I think he’s excited about the opportunity.”
Washington offensive line coach Michael Switzer said that Tuesday, and it fits the arc of Dieterich’s season. He came in expected to be a versatile depth piece, but injuries and lineup shuffling changed the plan. Hatchett’s absence and first-year left tackle Kodi Greene’s struggles have helped create the rotation Washington has been forced to use, leaving the Huskies without the line they pictured back in the offseason.
Now, with Hatchett on the verge of returning, Dieterich may finally get to settle back into a more natural spot after five weeks of emergency duty in the middle.
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