Washington Huskies Ranked Inside Preseason Top 25

The Washington Huskies have been ranked No. 25 in Phil Steele's preseason rankings, placing them seventh in the Big Ten.

What does this mean for the Huskies?

This ranking sets the stage for a competitive season, with the Huskies facing tough opponents like USC and Ohio State.

The Huskies will face three top 25 teams, including a road trip to USC in early October.

Who are the key players?

The team's defense is led by an impressive trio of linebackers: Xe'ree Alexander, Jacob Manu, and Zaydrius Rainey-Sale.

Coordinator Ryan Walters expects the unit to take a big step forward after finishing No. 12 in rushing defense in 2025.

What's the outlook for the offense?

The Huskies have a strong offensive line, boasting Preseason All-American John Mills and one of the Big Ten's best tackles, Drew Azzopardi.

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr.'s ability to elevate his game in big moments is a key question mark.

The Huskies' next game is against the Washington State Cougars on 2026-09-06.

The team will also host the No. 26 Iowa Hawkeyes at home in October.

What's the coaching perspective?

Ryan Walters, the defensive coordinator, is optimistic about the team's prospects, citing the importance of situational ball and fine-tuning expectations.

Walters expects a big jump from year one to year two, based on his past experience as a coordinator.

The Huskies have plenty of talent ahead of the 2026 season, with a talented defense and strong offensive line