Washington could turn to SMU transfers for offensive line help

The Washington Huskies could turn to a few SMU transfers for help along the offensive line.

During his signing day press conference, coach Jedd Fisch said he’s looking for four or five more scholarship offensive linemen to add to the Washington Huskies’ roster when the spring transfer portal window opens in late April.

“I think if we build it the right way there are some great opportunities there for guys to come in and compete to be starters,” Fisch said.

“Guys that are here will have a great opportunity to compete to be starters. We played freshmen… we feel really confident in playing true freshmen and redshirt freshmen… whoever we have will play and we will play the best five or six. There will also be an opportunity for a lot of good players to want to join one of the best teams in the country.”

On Wednesday, one talented option announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal, former SMU left tackle Marcus Bryant. He took to social media to state his intentions to leave the Mustangs to utilize his final season as a graduate transfer elsewhere.

The 6-foot-8, 318-pound left tackle started for three seasons at SMU and was named to the All-American Athletic Conference first team in 2023. He allowed just one sack on the season and would have an opportunity to compete for a starting spot with Washington after tackles Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten departed for the NFL Draft.

Bryant wasn’t the only member of SMU’s offensive line to announce his intentions to transfer either, as center Branson Hickman stated in late January that he will finish his degree and enter the portal in April for his final season.

After suffering a leg injury in December, center Landen Hatchett is expected to miss spring camp which would open up an opportunity for Hickman to fill in while the sophomore continues to rehab. Hickman started 33 games during his time at SMU and was honored on the All-American Athletic Conference second team last season, making him one of the best and most experienced options available at the position.

As Fisch and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll continue their search to fill out the offensive line for the 2024 season, Bryant and Hickman appear to be two strong candidates to fill starting roles for the Huskies.