Washington Huskies Emerge as 2026 Big Ten Sleeper With 65% Returning Production
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 31
Washington Huskies Emerge as 2026 Big Ten Sleeper With 65% Returning Production
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 31
Summary
Seventh in the media's projected Big Ten finish, Washington was singled out as a 2026 dark horse after conference media days wrapped up.
Jedd Fisch's rebuild underpins that case: he took Washington from 6-7 in 2024 to 9-4 and a bowl win in 2025 after replacing 20 of 22 starters.
Demond Williams Jr.'s return gives the Huskies a proven centerpiece, while 65% returning production ranks them in the national top 15 and near the top of the Big Ten.
Five of Washington's first six games are at home, the Huskies avoid Ohio State and Michigan, and they host both Penn State and Indiana—factors seen boosting their upset potential.