Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies return over 25,000 snaps of experience, one of the top marks in the Big Ten, setting the stage for a breakout 2026 campaign behind a star-studded defense led by coordinator Ryan Walters. Can this blend of veteran leadership and emerging stars fuel a rise in the rankings? Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff and Last Word On College Sports' Nick Lemkau spotlight Phil Steele’s top-25 secondary, headlined by Alex McLaughlin, Rahshawn Clark, Dylan Robinson, Emmanuel Karnley, and Rylon Dillard-Allen, and break down the impact of a loaded offensive line returning nearly 2,000 snaps.

Recruiting buzz intensifies as four-star OT Rashaun Lavata'i heads to Montlake for a mid-week official visit, and top-ranked punter Nolan Balke was a late addition to the weekend list of visitors. The hosts also analyze rising prospects like Josh Christensen and assess the depth chart’s future with insights on roster rotations, defensive versatility, and player development.

Are the Huskies poised to leap ahead in the Big Ten thanks to elite experience and a strong recruiting class?

00:00 Intro

01:28 Washington’s returning experience and snap count numbers for 2026

03:35 Impact and development of underclassmen and freshmen contributors

06:15 Offensive line’s returning production and expectations for 2026

08:43 Added depth across positions, transfer portal impact, and move to Phil Steele’s secondary unit rankings

11:14 Analysis of projected depth chart and key players in the secondary

22:01 Official visits: focus on four-star OT Rashawn Lavatai, DL recruiting, and special teams addition

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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