The Washington Huskies Are Facing Major Changes: What's Next? Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies are navigating a whirlwind of changes, with linebackers coach Robert Bala's unexpected departure to the SEC for the Florida Gators and Esun Tafa's decommitment shaking up the 2026 recruiting class. How will these shifts impact the Huskies' strategy and recruiting efforts?

Locked On Huskies hosts Roman Tomashoff and Lars Hanson dissect these developments, exploring running back Jordan Washington's potential to shine on special teams and the evolving dynamics within the coaching staff. They discuss the implications of losing key figures like Bala and Tafa, while also highlighting the depth in the running back room with players like Jonah Coleman and Adam Muhammad. The conversation offers insights into the Huskies' future, balancing experience with emerging talent.

Tune in for an engaging analysis of the Washington Huskies' path forward and discover how these changes could shape the upcoming season.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Robert Bala headed to Florida

5:36 External hires leaving after one year

11:36 Esun Tafa decommits from Washington

16:43 Recruiting challenges in college football

21:49 Jordan Washington's potential impact for the Huskies

26:17 Evolving running back usage in football

30:09 Distributing carries among talented backfield

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Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

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Did the Washington Huskies hire the best defensive coordinator in America in Ryan Walters? Jedd Fisch believes he did and that the former Purdue head coach will utilize transfer portal acquisitions like Tacario Davis, Xe'ree Alexander, Simote Pepa, and Alex McLaughlin and further improve Washington's defense in the Big Ten in 2025.

Locked On Huskies hosts Roman Tomashoff and Lars Hanson discuss key injury updates, including Zach Durfee, Jayvon Parker, Jacob Manu, and Geirean Hatchett, and explore the impact of new coaching staff dynamics with the hire of safeties coach Taylor Mays. The episode highlights the potential defensive improvements under Walters and more takeaways from Washington's media day, including the role for Penn State transfer portal acquisition Omari Evans. With a focus on the evolving roles within the team, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the Huskies' path forward.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on the Washington Huskies' journey and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. Tune in for exclusive insights and expert analysis.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Ryan Walters' impact on Washington's defense

3:41 Defensive line depth and improvement

10:20 Jacob Manu injury update

13:54 Jayvon Parker's recovery timeline

16:50 Zach Durfee injury update

20:49 Offensive line updates and competition

24:18 Team culture and player vetting process

31:00 Taylor Mays' return to Washington

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Did Jedd Fisch make the best choices for the Washington Huskies coaching staff after promoting Jimmie Dougherty to offensive coordinator and Michael Switzer to offensive line coach after Brennan Carroll departed for the NFL and a position on Pete Carroll's coaching staff with the Las Vegas Raiders? With quarterback Demond Williams Jr. at the helm, Fisch has high hopes for his second season in the Big Ten and did as much as he could to help him out in the transfer portal.

Locked On Huskies hosts Roman Tomashoff and Lars Hanson explore the impact of Carroll's departure and the promotions of Switzer and Jimmy Dougherty. They discuss the significance of transfer additions like Carver Willis and Jacob Manu, along with what Zach Durfee can bring to the table if healthy. The conversation highlights the importance of building strong connections to retain talent and foster a cohesive team identity.

Join the discussion to uncover how the Huskies are shaping their future and what it means for their path to success.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Did Jedd Fisch Make The Best Choice?

10:21 Carver Willis' transfer

14:00 Zach Durfee injury update

16:24 Jacob Manu's 2025 plans

20:00 Relationships in transfer portal era

24:55 Culture as foundation for success

Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies

Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)