UW Football Enters Spring Ball with Experienced Roster

Two-thirds of the Huskies' starting lineup returns from the LA Bowl, setting the stage for a competitive spring practice.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective view of a Huskies football game or practice, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep purple, forest green, and metallic gold.The Huskies' experienced roster provides a strong foundation for the team to build upon as they enter the 2026 season.Washington Today

The University of Washington football team enters spring practice with a wealth of returning experience, as two-thirds of its starting lineup from the 2025 LA Bowl is set to return. While 13 players are currently sidelined with injuries, the Huskies still boast 297 combined starts among their projected starters and backups, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

With a 9-4 record in 2025 and a strong core of returning players, the Huskies are poised to build on their recent success and compete for a Pac-12 title. The depth and experience on the roster should give the coaching staff flexibility to find the right mix of players and prepare the team for a challenging 2026 schedule.

The details

Head coach Jedd Fisch will have plenty of options as he looks to fill the remaining starting spots and backups during spring practice. Key position battles include at quarterback, where junior Demond Williams Jr. is the incumbent starter, and on the offensive line, where the Huskies must replace a couple of starters. Defensively, the Huskies return several experienced players, including senior linebacker Jacob Manu and junior transfer defensive tackle DeSean Watts.

  • Spring practice begins on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Huskies are coming off a 9-4 season and LA Bowl appearance in 2025.

The players

Demond Williams Jr.

Junior quarterback who started 15 games for the Huskies and was pursued by LSU in the offseason.

Jacob Manu

Senior linebacker who has started 31 games at UW and Arizona.

DeSean Watts

Junior transfer defensive tackle who started 11 games at Sacramento State.

Jedd Fisch

Head coach of the University of Washington football team.

Zach Durfee

Former Husky edge rusher who is preparing for the NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of talent in the building right now, a lot of young talent. U-Dub football is just getting better and better. They're going to win something really big really soon. I hate that I wasn't part of it, but hopefully i kind of helped build it.”

— Zach Durfee, Former Husky edge rusher

What’s next

The Huskies will use spring practice to determine the remaining starting spots and backups, with several players recovering from injuries. The team will look to build on its 9-4 season and LA Bowl appearance in 2025 as it prepares for the 2026 campaign.

The takeaway

With a wealth of returning experience and a talented roster, the University of Washington football team is poised to take the next step and compete for a Pac-12 title in 2026. The depth and competition during spring practice should help the Huskies identify the right mix of players to lead them to success.