foxnews
With the conclusion of Big Ten Media Days on Thursday, the preseason hype has officially ended, much to the relief of many. Now, the focus shifts to the upcoming college football season, and the full picture of 2026 is beginning to take shape. After reviewing the conference's predicted order of finish, one dark horse stands out as a potential surprise: the Washington Huskies.
While USC has received considerable attention as a sleeper pick in the Big Ten, with the media projecting them to finish fourth, the Huskies sit lower in the rankings at seventh—not a doormat, but certainly not a favorite. Yet, there is much to admire about what Washington has built heading into the new season.
Jedd Fisch's Proven Track Record
At the helm is head coach Jedd Fisch, whose coaching acumen has been demonstrated time and again. Before arriving in Seattle, Fisch took over a struggling Arizona Wildcats program, enduring a 1-11 debut season. Improvement came in year two with a 5-7 record, but it was year three that turned heads, as Arizona shocked the college football world with a 10-3 mark, elevating quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to national prominence.
Fisch then moved to Washington, inheriting a team that had lost 20 of 22 starters from its national championship appearance. Despite the massive overhaul, he guided the Huskies to a 6-7 record and a Sun Bowl berth. The following year, Washington improved to 9-4 with a bowl victory, showcasing Fisch's pattern of year-over-year progress.
Key Returning Talent and a Favorable Schedule
The Huskies rank in the top 15 nationally in returning production at 65%, just behind Oregon and UCLA in the Big Ten. This stability is a stark contrast to Fisch's first season. Central to this optimism is quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who emerged as a dual-threat playmaker in 2024 and was highly sought after in the transfer portal before deciding to stay for his junior year. Other notable returnees include offensive tackle Drew Azzopardi and safety Alex McLaughlin, both generating preseason buzz.
Washington's schedule also plays in their favor, with five of their first six games at Husky Stadium and no travel outside the Pacific Time Zone until mid-October. They avoid Ohio State and Michigan, while hosting both Indiana and Penn State. With strong coaching, key returning production, and a favorable slate, the Huskies are poised to be a formidable force in the Big Ten this season.
Originally reported by foxnews.