Former UW Receiver Vines-Bright Transfers to ASU

Raiden Vines-Bright cites desire to be closer to home as main reason for leaving Washington

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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After starting seven games as a freshman wide receiver at the University of Washington, Raiden Vines-Bright has decided to transfer to Arizona State University, his hometown school. Vines-Bright cited a desire to be closer to home and a feeling of being more positive and ready to work as the main reasons behind his decision to leave the Huskies program.

Why it matters

Vines-Bright was a promising young receiver for the Huskies, catching 24 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown as a freshman. His departure is a loss for the Washington program, but it speaks to the challenges some student-athletes face in adjusting to life away from home, especially early in their college careers.

The details

Vines-Bright said he felt he had more to showcase at Washington than he was able to, suggesting he may have been overshadowed by fellow freshman receiver Dezmen Roebuck, who emerged as the Huskies' second-leading pass-catcher. Vines-Bright also dealt with injuries during his time at Washington, including a concussion suffered during the Purdue game. At ASU, he'll have the chance to be closer to friends and family as he looks to take on a bigger role in the Sun Devils' offense.

  • Vines-Bright started 7 games as a freshman at the University of Washington in 2025.
  • Vines-Bright entered the transfer portal and decided to join Arizona State University in February 2026.

The players

Raiden Vines-Bright

A 6-foot-1, 200-pound wide receiver who started 7 games as a freshman at the University of Washington in 2025 before deciding to transfer to Arizona State University, his hometown school.

Dezmen Roebuck

A freshman wide receiver at the University of Washington in 2025 who finished the season as the Huskies' second-leading pass-catcher with 42 receptions for 560 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Demond Williams Jr.

The returning junior quarterback at the University of Washington who was expected to lead the Huskies' passing attack in 2026 alongside Vines-Bright and Roebuck.

Kenny Dillingham

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils who recently signed a contract extension, bringing renewed energy to the program.

Sam Leavitt

The Arizona State quarterback who left the program to join LSU, leaving the Sun Devils in need of a new starting QB for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Just what I can do and what I didn't get to showcase at Washington. I feel like I have a lot more in my bag than I got to show.”

— Raiden Vines-Bright, Wide Receiver (si.com)

“Honestly, that home feeling. I feel a lot more happy here, positive about going to work.”

— Raiden Vines-Bright, Wide Receiver (DevilsDigest)

“I'm a lot more positive, ready to work. I want to do more things.”

— Raiden Vines-Bright, Wide Receiver (DevilsDigest)

What’s next

Vines-Bright will have to compete for a starting role in the Sun Devils' offense as they look to replace departing quarterback Sam Leavitt. His ability to quickly adapt to the ASU program and develop chemistry with the new starting QB will be key to his success in Tempe.

The takeaway

Vines-Bright's transfer highlights the importance of student-athletes finding the right fit, both on the field and off. While he showed promise at Washington, the desire to be closer to home and a perceived lack of opportunity led him to seek a fresh start at Arizona State, where he hopes to thrive in a more familiar environment.