Washington’s transfer portal priorities: Where are the Huskies’ most pressing roster needs?
The beginning of college football’s transfer window brought the expected chaos: 780 players entered the portal Monday alone, per The Athletic’s Max Olson, with 483 of those leaving FBS programs.
So far, only two are from Washington: redshirt freshman defensive lineman Kuao Peihopa, who was suspended for most of the season, and safety Cam Williams, who had chosen to redshirt this season to preserve eligibility. The window is open until Jan. 18, so there could be more attrition after the Huskies’ bowl game, if not at some point(s) in between.
The most important personnel questions, though, regard players who may or may not leave for the NFL. Those decisions — like the one already made by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to return in 2023 — will go a long way toward shaping Washington’s roster, and toward forming the Huskies’ strategy as they plumb the portal to fill needs and upgrade talent.
Which positions could use an influx of veteran talent, or some additional depth? We go position by position to determine what the Huskies’ priority level might be for bolstering their 2023 roster via the portal.
Quarterback
Had Penix left for the NFL, the Huskies likely would have explored portal options, whether for scholarship competition or for their 2023 starter. Instead, Penix dropped a Sunday-night bombshell by announcing he will return to Washington for his final year of eligibility, so there isn’t really anything for the Huskies to gain through the portal at present, with Dylan Morris and Sam Huard still on the roster. Morris will be a fifth-year junior next season, and Huard a third-year sophomore. The Huskies still have a commitment from 2023 prospect Lincoln Kienholz, too, though Ohio State also is in pursuit. Attrition always could change plans here. If the roster stays pat, the Huskies are set. If someone leaves — or if Kienholz flips — they might want to look around.
About The Author
Leave a Reply