The Washington Huskies suffered one of their biggest yet unsurprising losses in the transfer portal on Sunday when 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that cornerback Thaddeus Dixon plans to enter the transfer portal.
The senior, who will have one year of eligibility remaining thanks to the NCAA’s blanket waiver regarding junior college participation, was one of Washington’s biggest breakout stars in 2024. Under the tutelage of coach John Richardson, Dixon was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention after finishing the year with 43 tackles, 2 for loss, an interception, and 10 pass breakups.
Dixon’s transfer could be considered unsurprising thanks to the developments in recent days, where the Huskies were named as favorites for the transfer portal’s top cornerback, Arizona’s Tacario Davis.
While Dixon could be moved inside to the nickel position in new defensive coordinator Ryan Walters’ scheme after 2024 starter Jordan Shaw transferred to Texas A&M on Sunday morning. But the senior could have his sights set on playing exclusively outside, which may have led to the move.
With his departure, the Huskies will have a promising yet inexperienced rotation behind Ephesians Prysock, highlighted by sophomores Leroy Bryant, who started the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl over Dixon, and Caleb Presley. Four-star freshman Dylan Robinson, who is expected to enroll early, has the athleticism and body type to compete for playing time during his first season on campus if he can pick up Walters’ scheme quickly.