(This post was updated with new information)
Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies didn’t take long to address their offensive line needs in the transfer portal. After adding interior lineman Geirean Hatchett from Oklahoma, Fisch and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll struck again on Thursday, earning a commitment from Kansas State tackle Carver Willis.
Willis, who is widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen available in the transfer portal, announced his commitment on Instagram with his NIL agency, AMDG Sports. The 6-foot-5, 291-pounder is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 4 offensive tackle in the portal and will bring a sorely needed experienced pass blocker to Montlake.
He was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2023 and looks to be a strong option at right tackle for Washington’s offensive line in his final season of eligibility. With two years of starting experience under his belt, Willis has allowed just 3 sacks on 621 pass-blocking snaps.
“Willis was a stalwart along K-State’s offensive line for a few seasons, and for good reason,” said Kevin Fielder, who covers Kansas State for Rivals’ EMAW Online. “He was always consistent, hardly made backbreaking mistakes, and would climb to the second level to seal additional blocks. He may not wow you with video game-like plays, but he’s Mr. Reliable, which would help any college football program looking to take the next step.”
“Carver’s a guy that goes all out for his team,” added Joe Tillery of Cats IMO on YouTube. “He worked his tail off at Kansas State and developed into a reliable starter on the right side of the offensive line. He quickly emerged as one of the Big 12’s top tackles in 2023 and 2024 and spearheaded a group that finished third in the Big 12 in total rushing yards. It’s hard not to root for the guy, Washington fans will love his consistency and veteran leadership.”
His commitment also brings questions as to how the future of Washington’s offensive line will shape up. Willis has limited experience at left tackle, but his addition could mean that Carroll is looking to ask Drew Azzopardi to move to the bench for the 2025 season since he has multiple years of eligibility remaining.
As for left tackle, junior college transfer Maximus McCree looked to be a strong addition before suffering a dislocated thumb that effectively ended his season. Behind him are redshirt freshmen Justin Hylkema and Davit Boyajyan, and whichever prospects the coaching staff deems as tackles from the five offensive linemen who signed with Washington as part 2025 recruiting class.
Willis appears to be a very solid short-term addition at one of the most important positions that Fisch’s coaching staff needed to address.
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