The roster attrition has begun for Jedd Fisch’s Washington Huskies squad.
Punter Jack McCallister announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday. As a graduate transfer, McCallister is not subject to the December 9 opening of the winter portal for football athletes.
McCallister, a fourth-year junior from nearby Edmonds, Washington, has been the Huskies’ starting punter for the last three seasons but had yet to earn a scholarship after walking on to the team in 2021. This season, he handled every punt for Washington despite being listed as a co-starter with fifth-year senior Adam Saul.
Saul will presumably take over punting duties for Washington’s bowl game and is eligible to return next season for a sixth year because of the NCAA rules on COVID-19 eligibility. The Huskies also have kicker/punter Tyler Prasuhn committed in the 2025 class as a preferred walk-on.
If Saul does return next season, he and Prasuhn will likely battle for the starting job. Otherwise, the Huskies may need to turn to the transfer portal or local walk-ons to fill out the depth chart.
McCallister improved his hangtime numbers this season to an average of 3.86 seconds, three-tenths longer than last season’s average, but Washington’s struggles on special teams affected his return numbers tremendously. He allowed 18 returns for 285 yards this season after allowing only 19 returns for 79 yards in his previous two seasons as the starter.
The junior, who has one season of eligibility remaining, has also served as Washington’s holder for the last three seasons, which could cause some issues for Grady Gross’ operation in the bowl game.