Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies may have lost their bowl against Louisville, but they gained something far more valuable
It was a disappointing first season for head coach Jedd Fisch with the Washington Huskies, ending with a 6-7 overall record after the team’s 35-34 loss to Louisville in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The transition to the Big Ten wasn’t easy, especially when you had to turnover so much of the roster from […]
It was a disappointing first season for head coach Jedd Fisch with the Washington Huskies, ending with a 6-7 overall record after the team’s 35-34 loss to Louisville in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The transition to the Big Ten wasn’t easy, especially when you had to turnover so much of the roster from last season. While losses are never fun, the Huskies may have gained something far more valuable, the future of their program.
Former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers was the starter for the Huskies for the majority of the season, finishing the year with 2,458 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Rogers was admired for what he did in this transitional period, but he took on a new role down the stretch, helping to mentor true freshman signal caller Demond Williams Jr. for the best of the program long term.
Williams got the start against Louisville, and it was his second of his career. After a really positive first showing against Oregon, Williams showcased all of his tools against the Cardinals. During the loss, he completed up 26 of 32 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns. Williams also rushed for 48 yards and another score on the ground, accounting for five total touchdowns.
Fisch has been very aware of Williams for some time now. Williams, who is a Chandler, Arizona native, was committed previously to the Arizona Wildcats under Fisch. Once the head coach left for Washington, the 5-11 and 187-pound dual threat passer opted to follow.
While some will look past Williams due to that lack of size, you would be ignoring a tremendous football player. Williams ended as the No. 205 overall player and No. 12 quarterback on the 247Sports Composite ranking in the 2024 recruiting class. For the most part, the major recruiting platforms didn’t let his diminutive size stop them from falling in love with Williams as a playmaker.
You saw all that talent against Louisville. Williams has a strong arm for his size, is dynamite throwing on the run, and outstanding athleticism to win outside of structure. In the modern game of college football, it wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Williams ascend to one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in college football. Washington has their guy.
