UW Tight Ends Compete to Fill Blocking Role

With star blocker Quentin Moore gone, several Husky tight ends vie to take over the key run-blocking duties.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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As the University of Washington football team prepares for spring practice, the Huskies have several tight end candidates vying to fill the void left by the departure of star blocker Quentin Moore. While the team has a number of tight ends with varying levels of experience and health, the key question is who can step up and provide the same level of physical blocking that Moore brought to the offense.

Why it matters

Establishing the run game has been a priority for the Husky offense under head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. With Moore's blocking prowess a key part of that, finding his replacement is crucial to continuing the team's success on the ground.

The details

The top candidates to take over the blocking tight end role include sophomore Baron Naone, junior Decker DeGraaf, redshirt freshman Austin Simmons, and the injured junior Kade Eldridge. Naone saw limited game action as a freshman, while DeGraaf has starting experience but is still developing as a blocker. Simmons impressed the coaching staff with his quick learning, and Eldridge was used as a blocking/rushing fullback before his midseason injury. The Huskies also have a pair of incoming freshmen, Kekua Amua and Sam Vyhlidal, who will look to make an early impact.

  • The University of Washington football team is preparing for spring practice, which is just over a month away.
  • Quentin Moore, the Huskies' star blocking tight end, has exhausted his college eligibility and is likely headed to the NFL.

The players

Quentin Moore

The University of Washington's star blocking tight end over the past three seasons, who is now headed to the NFL draft.

Baron Naone

A 6-foot-4, 250-pound sophomore tight end who appeared in seven games as a freshman, primarily as a blocker.

Decker DeGraaf

A 6-foot-4, 245-pound junior tight end who has started 16 games over the past two seasons and is working to improve his blocking skills.

Austin Simmons

A 6-foot-5, 245-pound redshirt freshman tight end who impressed the coaching staff with his quick learning of the position.

Kade Eldridge

A 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior tight end who was used as a blocking and rushing fullback before suffering a midseason injury in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Jedd Fisch called him the best college blocking tight end he's ever had and, with the way he used him, Kalen DeBoer and his staff likely would concur.”

— Quentin Moore (SI.com)

“He was singled out by tight-ends coach Jordan Paopao for picking up things rather quickly.”

— Austin Simmons, Redshirt Freshman Tight End (SI.com)

What’s next

The Huskies will look to identify their top blocking tight end during spring practice, with the goal of having that player ready to contribute in the fall.

The takeaway

Replacing the blocking prowess of Quentin Moore will be a key focus for the Husky offense this offseason, as they look to maintain their success running the ball under the new coaching staff.