With defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi graduating, the Washington Huskies went into the transfer portal looking for a big, versatile defensive lineman who can line up anywhere along the front. Jedd Fisch knew exactly where to look, bringing in one of his former recruits, Arizona’s Ta’ita’i Uiagaleilei.
At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Uiagaleilei posted career-highs in almost every statistical category in 2024 with 35 tackles, 8 for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He brings the flexibility at that size to line up all over the defensive line and has found a way to get to the quarterback from every alignment, totaling 45 pressures over the last two seasons according to Pro Football Focus.
In his final season of eligibility, he should also be a key factor in the coaching staff’s attempt to bolster Washington’s run defense. The Huskies were constantly blown off the line of scrimmage as Big Ten play wore on during their first season in the conference.
Uiagaleilei becomes the third addition to the Huskies’ defensive line since the portal opened, joining defensive tackles Simote Pepa and Anterio Thompson from Utah and Western Michigan respectively. The trio brings the desired size that Fisch’s coaching staff is looking for, as Washington continues to scour the country for at least one more addition to the defensive front.
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