The Washington Huskies are a completely different team in 2024 than 2023. The reigning National Title runners-up were decimated by graduation, the transfer portal, and a late coaching change after Kalen DeBoer departed for Alabama.
With a move to the Big 10 looming, who are the best returning players on a Washington team that lost a ton of talent?
Washington Huskies Top Returning Players
10) Russell Davis II, Edge
The defensive line is by far the deepest position group in 2024 for Washington, but Russell Davis could separate himself as a key player for the Huskies.
Davis is one of four Arizona transfers on this list and was a pure pass rusher for the Wildcats, racking up more pressures (19) than tackles (12) last season. He’ll find a role early as a pass-rushing specialist but could play more going forward.
9) Elijah Jackson, CB
Elijah Jackson got off to a rocky start in 2023 but started to put it all together down the stretch.
One of the few returning starters for the Huskies, he’ll be counted upon to lead an inexperienced secondary. He’ll likely be tasked with facing opponents’ top receivers and will look to improve his ball production after he didn’t have an interception in 2023.
8) Ephesians Prysock, CB
Another Arizona transfer on this list, Ephesians Prysock only gave up one touchdown in 506 coverage snaps last season. He and Jackson are the only ones with extensive experience in the secondary, and he’ll look to add to the one interception he had last season.
If Washington’s defense ends up being solid, Prysock will likely play a huge part in that improvement.
7) Sebastian Valdez, IDL
Nothing scares quarterbacks more than a quick interior pass rush, and that’s what Sebastian Valdez provides, although he’s unproven at the FBS level.
Valdez racked up 98 pressures and 23 sacks over the past three seasons at FCS power Montana State. If that translates to the Big Ten level, he’ll separate himself on a deep defensive line.
6) Bryun Parham, LB
A tackling machine at San Jose State, Bryun Parham transferred up to the Power Four level, where he’ll likely be the starting middle linebacker for Washington. Last season, he racked up 117 tackles and didn’t allow a touchdown while in coverage.
5) Isaiah Ward, Edge
One of several transfers from Arizona to follow Jedd Fisch, Isaiah Ward was solid last season but probably has more in the tank before he reaches his full potential.
A pure speed guy on the outside, Ward’s bend is good, and he has some pass-rushing upside that he’ll look to unlock at Washington.
4) Will Rogers, QB
Will Rogers transferred in during the offseason from Mississippi State to be the starter at Washington.
Rogers took a step back last season in a completely different offensive system than the air raid he thrived in during the years before. Sources think he could be really good this year and will get to show off his arm talent and decision-making.
3) Carson Bruener, LB
One of just a few returning contributors who played on the National Championship team last year, Carson Bruener was excellent in 2023. This year, he’ll be the leader of the linebacking corps after finishing third in snaps at the position last season.
He racked up 59 tackles and 30 run stops in 2023, and he improved in pass coverage as the year progressed, something he’ll look to excel in this season.
2) Jeremiah Hunter, WR
A transfer from Cal, Jeremiah Hunter is one of the few proven commodities Washington has at receiver, a year after the Huskies put three receivers in the NFL Draft.
Hunter is a reliable target who has had inconsistent quarterback play over the last three seasons. He’s one of the best-contested catch receivers in college football.
1) Jonah Coleman, RB
Jonah Coleman was the gem of Jedd Fisch’s cobbled-together class as he followed the head coach from Arizona.
Coleman was electric in 2023 and really tough to bring down, averaging over five yards an attempt after contact.
He’s an underrated receiver out of the backfield and will be a true No. 1 option after sharing the Arizona backfield in 2023.
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