Washington Huskies
· 2026-07-07
Washington Huskies landed at No.13 in former NFL tight end George Wrighster’s early poll and at No.25 in veteran analyst Phil Steele’s list, marking the first major split in the season’s initial Top‑25 rankings.
Steele’s poll shoved the Huskies into the final slot, a move many fans called random. He placed Navy at No.20 and Boise State at No.23, even though UW trounced Boise State 38‑10 in the LA Bowl just seven months earlier. Steele’s choices raised eyebrows because service academies typically rely on military appointments rather than five‑star recruits, making his Navy ranking over SEC powerhouses seem odd. Some suspect a patriotic tilt.
Wrighster, meanwhile, gave the Huskies a generous No.13, but his list also crowned Oregon at No.1. The former Oregon tight end’s bias toward his alma mater was obvious, especially since he left Boise State off his ballot entirely. Still, his higher placement for UW puts the team four spots above Alabama, a bold statement that fuels debate among Huskies supporters.
A No.13 spot gives the program early national visibility, helping recruiting conversations and boosting morale heading into the Pac‑12 (now Big Ten) schedule. The lower Steele ranking, however, reminds fans that perception can shift quickly; a single poll can influence media narratives and fan expectations. Coach Jedd Fisch will likely use the disparity as motivation, emphasizing that the Huskies proved they can dominate opponents like Boise State.
The rankings also highlight the ongoing rivalry with Oregon. With Wrighster placing the Ducks at No.1 and the Huskies at No.13, the upcoming conference games promise extra intensity. Fans will watch to see if the Huskies can translate a higher poll position into on‑field wins against top‑ranked foes.
The Huskies head into their first home game of the year against the Washington State Cougars on September 6, 2026. That rivalry matchup will be the first real test of whether the Huskies can live up to Wrighster’s optimistic ranking or prove Steele’s skepticism right. A win could solidify their standing and push them higher in the next poll cycle; a loss might reinforce doubts about their early‑season placement.
Many Huskies fans dismissed Steele’s No.25 as a fluke, pointing to the LA Bowl victory as evidence the team belongs higher. Analysts noted that poll voters often weigh recent bowl performances heavily, which could explain Wrighster’s favorable ranking. Others argue that both polls suffer from bias—Steele’s patriotic leanings and Wrighster’s Oregon loyalty—making it hard to gauge the true national picture.
The conversation continues on social media and local sports shows, with former players and coaches weighing in. Some suggest the Huskies need a signature win against a Power‑5 opponent to settle the debate. Until then, the split rankings will remain a talking point as the season unfolds.