The Washington Huskies are in unprecedented territory. Not only has coach Jedd Fisch been tasked with replacing one of the best teams in school history that was headlined by stars Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, along with head coach Kalen DeBoer, and in total has to replace 20 starters from the group that finished at No. 2 in the 2023 AP poll.
Fisch, who has painted the Huskies as the underdogs throughout the fall, even making shirts with “Where’s Washington?” on the back, now has even more ammunition to support his claim. When the 2024 preseason AP poll was released, the Huskies were among the “others receiving votes” and would be ranked No. 32 if the poll were extended beyond the top 25.
That’s unfathomable territory for the runner-up for the national championship from the previous season. The last time that happened was when Army finished at No. 2 in 1951.
The Huskies have all the makings of a team that could find itself in the top 25 this season, with a talented coaching staff, experienced quarterback, and elite defensive scheme that could end up as one of the best in the Big Ten. But in order to win over the AP voters, the Huskies are going to have to prove it on the field.
If you were wondering (I was), per the AP: pic.twitter.com/Z6xOpZOx5U
— Christian Caple (@ChristianCaple) August 12, 2024