Get ready, Emerald City, because Jedd Fisch just dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for on Washington’s offensive line. After months of reporters pressing him about his starting center’s status, the Huskies’ head coach made it clear during Monday’s press conference: he’d be “shocked” if veteran lineman Landen Hatchett isn’t out there playing Friday against the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes. That’s right, folks, the captain is back.
The Return of the Leader We Needed
Landen Hatchett’s comeback couldn’t be more critical for Washington’s offense, which, let’s be real, has been in desperate need of a spark. The fourth-year senior was slated to be fully healthy for full camp after hand surgery in the winter. But a brutal setback this past spring, leading to a second surgery, forced him to miss the first five games of the season. Now, finally, his return isn’t just about another body on the line. Hatchett brings a trifecta of leadership, energy, and experience that this team has been craving. Fisch himself emphasized the plan: “We’re looking at Landen back at center. We would be shocked if that’s not the case.” You hear that? “Shocked!” That’s confidence, and that’s exactly what you want from your coach when you’re staring down a tough opponent like Iowa.
A Seven-Man Line Ready to Rumble
Hatchett’s return doesn’t just slot him back in at center, it totally revamps the entire offensive line rotation, giving Fisch way more flexibility up front. During Landen’s absence, Sam Houston State transfer Kolt Dieterich had been filling in at center, a position he’d never played before coming to Seattle, having only ever played tackle at the FCS level. With Hatchett back, Fisch outlined a dynamic plan: “So, there’ll be some rotation there with Kolt (Dieterich) at center, Kolt at guard. There’ll be a rotation with Kodi (Greene) at guard, John (Mills) at tackle. There’ll be rotation with Kolt at tackle, John at guard. So, we’ll have a little bit of, probably tomorrow will be a rotational day, get ourselves back in action, and then we’ll play the best five for this moment in time.” This means freshman All-American John Mills, who’s been rotating between left guard and left tackle, and true freshman Kodi Greene, still adapting to the college level at left tackle, will benefit from the added depth. Plus, with seventh-year senior Geirean Hatchett already serving as a swing lineman at both right and left guard, Landen’s return creates a full seven-man rotation. That’s a deep, experienced group ready to battle.
Friday Night Fight Against Iowa
It’s a short week for the Huskies, heading straight into a clash with the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes, and we all know how Kirk Ferentz’s defense plays. They hit hard, they play smart, and winning the battle up front is absolutely critical against them. With the offensive line now at full strength and featuring a deep, seven-man rotation, Fisch is going to have to lean on that experience and depth to get his team back on track. This isn’t just another game; it’s a chance to show what this fully-loaded O-line can do, provide that much-needed spark, and set the tone for the rest of the season. Catch them Friday night, it’s going to be a slugfest up front!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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