Washington Huskies 2025 Football Preview, Prediction, Betting ideas

Washington Huskies

2024 Record: 6-7

2024 over/under was: 6.5 (under hits)

A look back on ’24: Jedd Fisch took over the Huskies after their remarkable run to the National Championship in ’23. He took over a roster that was dead last in returning production in the BIG10, with stars such as Penix and Odunze no longer around. Losing the Apple Cup to Washington State, and putting on an anemic display vs a backup QB at Indiana were certainly low points in the first year under Fisch. However, beating the reigning champion Michigan Wolverines in a rematch was undoubtedly a high point in Seattle. Fisch took Arizona from 1-11 to 10-3 in just three seasons at the helm of the Wildcats, so the man knows how to get things going in the right direction. With a new quarterback and some changes to the defensive coaching staff, there is certainly some buzz going into 2025 for the Huskies.

Program Trends:

Recruiting ranking Big10

2026(summer):8th

2025: 7th

2024: 14th

Returning production ranking Big10

2025: 12th

2024:18th

Portal rankings BIG10: 7TH

Jedd Fisch already has a higher-rated recruiting class than Deboer ever had in Seattle. Keeping 4-star Zaydrius Rainey-Sale (LB) was probably the most exciting offseason get. Let’s see if he can make an immediate impact. He will also have much more to work with, as the roster that he took over was absolutely bare bones.

Offense: Jimmie Dougherty gets promoted from QB coach to offensive coordinator. He will be tasked with getting the most out of electric talent Demond Williams. Against Louisville in the bowl, Williams threw for 374 yards and 4 touchdowns, rushing for an additional 48 and a score. No wonder there is such optimism about him. Throw in the fact that he won the accuracy challenge this summer at the Manning camp, and the hype is high. What I love about the offense is the return of Jonah Coleman (RB) and Denzel Boston(WR). They both were heavily featured a year ago, Coleman rushing for over 1000 yards, and Boston notching over 800 receiving yards. The offensive line was a shambles at times last season. They return one starter in Azzopardi, but he did not grade well. Willis comes over from Kansas State; he, too, only graded out ok.

Defense: Ryan Walters comes over after his head coaching stint at Purdue to replace Steve Belichick. While things didn’t work out for Walters at Purdue, this could be a fantastic hire. Having said that, the defense will need to come together this summer, as not many faces are familiar. Elinneus Davis, Bryce Butler, and Jayvon Parker all graded well in very small sample sizes. Can any of them take a step this season? Zach Durfee seems to be the name many people mention as key to the pass rush. Lastly, the transfers are exciting. Tacario Davis and Uiagalelei, following Fisch, a year on from Arizona (Davis 2nd team all PAC12 2023). Al-uqdah and Alex McLaughlin are players stepping up in class (Washington State, Northern Arizona, respectively), both graded out really well at lower levels.

Roster in a nutshell: Washington could have serious QB play in ’25. Williams' dual-threat ability might just be a must-watch material on a Saturday. I also love that he has some solid WRs and an RB to lean on. The secondary also should be solid if it gels in the summer. The obvious questions here are on both lines of scrimmage. You certainly want to give Fisch the benefit of the doubt, but having questions there in the Big 10 is scary!

Statistical Pulse: Washington ranked 17th of 18 in the Big 10 in tackles for loss, only securing 48. Washington graded out second last in the Big10 in pass blocking grade via PFF they also finished dead last allowing 39 sacks on the year, the line needs to improve!

Schedule: A couple of gimmes before a bye will set the Huskies up for a gauntlet of a 5-week stretch. Considering the travel to Washington State, Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan, and Illinois. That stretch will define the season for the Huskies. Throw in a road game in Madison to face the Badgers, and the Ducks rolling into town to finish the year, and there will no doubt be challenges here. I like how the Huskies draw Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, and Maryland; outside of Northwestern, those should be the basement dwellers.

Prediction: I’m going 8-4 for the Huskies. There are things to really like here, and the QB could be a star. But the line play is very unproven, as much as you want to give Fisch the benefit of the doubt. I feel 8-4 is certainly giving him that benefit and then some; however, if Williams goes nuclear (which is possible), the ceiling totally changes here. Remember, Jedd Fisch had Noah Fifita throwing for 25 TDs and 6 picks in ’23 at Arizona, so Demond Williams certainly could light up the Big 10 this year.

A game to watch: Ohio State rolls into Seattle on September 27th, coming off a bye. That should give Husky fans a shiver down their spine, especially if this team loses the opener against Texas. If Ohio State drops the opener, look for them to button themselves up to start Big10 play. I’ll be looking to back the Buckeyes.

Actionable: Washington’s win total is 7.5 juiced to the under. It feels like a fair number. I wouldn’t touch it. If you like the sounds of this team, why not just try for the upside? Demond Williams' Heisman odds have certainly come in a bit, but I still see BET365 has him at 100 to 1. That might be worth an add to the portfolio!for free to receive new posts and support my work.