Husky Football Players Claim New Jersey Numbers for 2026 Season

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. headlines jersey number changes, taking over Jonah Coleman's old No. 1 jersey.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football game, with the players' jersey numbers as the central focus, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the Huskies' annual jersey number shuffle, with the iconic digits taking center stage as the team prepares for a new season.Washington Today

As the University of Washington football team prepares for spring practice, several players have claimed new jersey numbers for the 2026 season. Headlining the changes is quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who is switching from No. 2 to the coveted No. 1 jersey previously worn by former running back Jonah Coleman. Other notable number swaps include linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah taking No. 0, safety Rylon Dillard-Allen claiming No. 3, and incoming freshman edge rusher Derek Colman-Brusa selecting No. 5.

Why it matters

Jersey number changes are an annual rite of passage in college football, as players vie for iconic digits that carry a sense of prestige and history. These number swaps often signal position changes, increased roles, or the arrival of new talent. For the Huskies, the headline-grabbing switch to No. 1 by Williams puts added pressure on the quarterback to live up to the number's legacy of past star running backs.

The details

In addition to Williams' switch to No. 1, several other Husky players claimed new numbers. Linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah will return from injury wearing No. 0, while safety Rylon Dillard-Allen takes over No. 3. Freshman edge rusher Derek Colman-Brusa selected No. 5, the same number worn by last year's starting edge Zach Durfee. On offense, leading receiver Dezmen Roebuck claimed No. 2, while incoming transfers Jayden Limar (No. 22) and Trey Cooley (No. 17) will don new digits when healthy.

  • The Huskies' spring football practice begins on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The team's latest roster release included the jersey number changes.

The players

Demond Williams Jr.

The Huskies' starting quarterback, who is switching from No. 2 to the coveted No. 1 jersey previously worn by former star running back Jonah Coleman.

Jonah Coleman

The former University of Washington running back who previously wore the No. 1 jersey that Williams is now claiming.

Buddah Al-Uqdah

Junior linebacker who is returning from injury and will now wear No. 0, giving up his previous No. 3 jersey.

Rylon Dillard-Allen

Sophomore safety who is switching from No. 18 to No. 3.

Derek Colman-Brusa

Incoming freshman edge rusher who has selected No. 5, the same number worn by last year's starting edge Zach Durfee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Huskies will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, where the new jersey numbers will be on full display for the first time.

The takeaway

Jersey number changes are an annual rite of passage in college football, signaling position changes, increased roles, and the arrival of new talent. For the Huskies, the headline-grabbing switch to No. 1 by quarterback Demond Williams Jr. puts added pressure on the signal-caller to live up to the number's legacy of past star running backs.