Washington Huskies Prepare for Big Ten Debut Under New Coach Jedd Fisch
- Jedd Fisch expresses excitement over what he describes as a 'true reboot' for the Washington football program.
- He highlights the cohesion of his coaching staff, who have worked together for four years.
- Fisch's realistic expectation for the season is to emerge as a formidable opponent for every team they face.
INDIANAPOLIS – The Washington Huskies are gearing up for their first season in the Big Ten under new head coach Jedd Fisch, who describes the team as a "brand-new" roster following a successful run that saw them reach the College Football Playoff last year. Fisch emphasized the significant changes within the program, noting that 46 new scholarship players have joined the team, alongside a completely revamped coaching and training staff. With 21 of 22 starting positions filled by new players, the Huskies are set to kick off their season against Weber State on August 31. Fisch, who succeeded Kalen DeBoer, brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Arizona, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The Wildcats improved from a dismal 1-11 record in 2021 to a 10-3 finish last season, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. He has brought 12 players and 21 staff members from Arizona to Washington, aiming to replicate that success and build a championship-contending program. Despite the challenges of rebuilding, Fisch remains optimistic about the team's potential. According to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Washington retains only 36% of its production from last season, with receiver Giles Jackson being the sole returner with significant yardage. Fisch's philosophy centers on toughness, stating that he wants opponents to feel as if they have played two games after facing the Huskies, emphasizing a focus on performance over scoreboard results.