College football season is rapidly approaching, with fall camp underway. We’re going through Indiana’s schedule to look ahead at all 12 opponents for 2026.
-
- Opponent: Washington
- Date/Time/TV: Saturday, November 21, TBD
- Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington (70,138)
- 2025 record/postseason result: 9-4, 5-4 Big Ten (38-10 win over Boise State in LA Bowl)
- Overall returning production: 65 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (No. 14 in the country, sixth in the Big Ten)
Returning production, offense: 69 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (13th in the country)
Offensive outlook: Washington’s offense improved significantly in year two under head coach Jedd Fisch. The Huskies averaged 23.4 points per game in 2024, and 34.1 in 2025. But Fisch still fired his offensive coordinator after the 2025 season, and he’ll assume the playcalling duties in 2026. UW finished No. 58 in rushing offense and No. 52 in passing offense in 2025.
Quarterback Demond Williams was a major reason why the offense improved. As a sophomore he posted 3,065 yards while completing 69.5% of his throws. Williams had 25 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards and six more scores. But against Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon, Williams had a combined two touchdowns and five interceptions.
It seems at least worth noting, Williams entered the transfer portal for two days after the 2025 season but realized his contract required him to stay.
There are questions at the skill positions after some major departures.
The Huskies have to replace wideout Denzel Boston, who was Williams’ favorite target at 62 receptions for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Kennesaw State receiver Christian Moss was brought in to fill the void. He had 45 receptions for 689 yards a season ago, including five for 54 at IU. Dezmen Roebuck should have a big year in the slot after pulling in 42 catches for 560 yards as a freshman. Junior Rashid Williams is expected to make a jump as well.
In 2025 nearly all the meaningful carries for the Huskies went to two running backs who have both since left, including Jonah Coleman who is now in the NFL. They don’t have a flashy group of replacements. Former Oregon running back Jayden Limar arrives from the portal. He has 95 carries for 442 yards in three seasons. Limar will be joined in a committee that includes Quaid Carr and Troy transfer Trey Cooley.
Tight end Decker DeGraaf is the main man in the tight end room and a favorite target of Williams. He had 32 catches for 360 yards and a pair of scores last season.
The offensive line should be good. It’s led by a group that includes freshman All-American John Mills as well as experienced starters Landen Hatchett, Geirean Hatchett and Drew Azzopardi. As a unit they’ll have to improve at pass blocking after finishing No. 59 at PFF.
Returning production, defense: 61 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (27th in the country)
Defensive outlook: Former Purdue head coach Ryan Walters is the defensive coordinator. That’s a role he’s been effective in, including time at Illinois.
The Huskies were 15th in scoring defense a year ago at 18.7 points per game. They were No. 11 in rushing defense and No. 52 in passing defense.
Defensive line is a major question mark. Elinneus Davis and Jacob Lane return, but beyond them the Huskies are going to rely on largely unproven freshmen and non-Power 4 transfers. Like a lot of teams, Washington hopes to bring back a fifth-year player in Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei. There is not a lot of flash in the pass rush with this group.
At linebacker the Huskies appear strong. Arizona transfer Jacob Manu has 241 career tackles. Weakside linebacker Xe’ree Alexander added 70 tackles last season.
Senior safety Alex McLaughlin is back after he led the Huskies last season with 94 tackles and six pass breakups. Rahshawn Clark should take on the nickel back role full time this season after posting 21 tackles and two interceptions in a part-time role last season.
Starting cornerback duo Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis are both gone. Virginia transfer cornerback Emmanuel Karnley Jr. had 26 tackles and eight pass breakups last season. He’ll step in along with younger players who must grow into full-time contributors in 2026.
Special teams outlook: Washington ranked just No. 62 in special teams a year ago according to PFF. They’ve replaced their punter and kicker during the offseason. The new additions appear to be solid. Tyler Robles made 21 of 23 field goals for Texas State last season. Hunter Green averaged 47 yards per punt and placed 26 inside the 20 for San Diego State.
Overall Outlook: This is a team that will live and die with Demond Williams. He’s an elite talent, but if the skill position players around him don’t provide enough support, he might not be able to reach another level. And the defense has a lot of holes to fill. Indiana held Oregon’s Dante Moore in check twice a year ago, and they should be able to do the same with Williams, who has a much weaker supporting cast. Husky Stadium is a tough place to play, but Washington has lost there three times in the last two years. It’s not an insurmountable task.
Previous Outlooks:
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
-
- Find us on Instagram, X, and Facebook
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
