The Big Ten media just dropped their 2026 predictions, pegging our Washington Huskies at a sleepy 7th out of 18 teams. That’s a take hotter than a summer day on Lake Union, and honestly, it shows they haven’t been paying attention. Head Coach Jedd Fisch, now in his third season at the helm, is building something special here, and it all starts with our dynamic quarterback Demond Williams Jr.
Demond Williams Jr. Isn’t Just Good, He’s Sensational
Don’t let the “7th out of 18” fool you. Washington is better than that prediction, and it’s all thanks to Williams returning for what’s expected to be another sensational season. Last year, he absolutely tore it up, throwing for 3065 yards and 25 touchdowns. But he’s not just a pocket passer. The kid’s got wheels, adding 611 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Yeah, he’s listed at 5’11”, 190 pounds, so he’s not a giant, but his lack of size is irrelevant because of his high-percentage passes and his uncanny ability to break containment with his legs. You give this guy space outside the pocket, and he turns into pure magic, a dual threat to run or deliver a strike on the move. Purdue’s defensive ends better get their act together and collapse the pocket, because if they let Williams operate in space, it’s going to be a long night for them. He is going to be one of the toughest quarterbacks they face all season, no doubt about it.
The Trenches Are Solid, And Defense Is Ready to Hunt
It’s not just Williams carrying the load. The offensive line is returning four out of five starters from 2025, which is huge for protecting our QB and opening up lanes for Jayden Limar. Think about it: you’ve got massive John Mills, a 6’6”, 350-pound left guard, and senior center Landen Hatchett, who’s no slouch himself at 6’3”, 315 pounds, anchoring the middle. That kind of experience and beef up front gives Williams all the space he needs to operate. On defense, Alex McLaughlin is back after leading the team with 93 tackles and snagging 2 interceptions last year. Jacob Lane also returns, bringing 4 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss to the defensive line, alongside Elinneus Davis. With linebackers like Jacob Manu and secondary players like Rahshawn Clark, this defense has playmakers.
The Huskies are heading to West Lafayette, Indiana, to face Purdue on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8 PM EDT, live on Fox. This Week 7 matchup is the perfect chance for Washington to start proving everyone wrong and show the Big Ten that their preseason prediction was way off. Get ready, Emerald City, because this team is ready to shock the conference.
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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