Washington football ranked inside The Athletic's preseason Top 15

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The Washington Huskies have found themselves all over way-too-early preseason rankings. From hanging around in the bottom portion of the top 25 to being completely left off lists, there's a lot of debate around Jedd Fisch's team.

However, in his June rankings, The Athletic's Stewart Mandel became the high man on the Huskies ahead of the 2026 college football season, placing them at No. 15 in the nation. That also effectively placed Washington as the No. 5 team in the Big Ten behind No. 1 Indiana, No. 2 Oregon, No. 3 Ohio State, and No. 12 USC, as

"Jedd Fisch’s third season nearly went sideways before it began when star QB (Demond) Williams (Jr.) tried to enter the portal in January despite re-signing," Mandel wrote in his reasoning of UW's ranking. "He ultimately reversed course, and the Huskies can continue building after improving from 6-7 to 9-4 last season. Washington quietly finished in the top 20 in defense last season."

In its second year under defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, and with returning talent at all three levels of the field after allowing 100.08 rushing yards per game (No. 12 nationally), 18.7 points per game (No. 15), and 311.4 yards per game (No. 21), Washington is expecting another step forward from its defense.

"I honestly think we’re a top ten defense in the nation right now," senior linebacker Xe'ree Alexander said during spring practice. "The confidence is just amazing.”

With a shutdown defense to lean on, the Huskies can figure out how to replace playmakers running back Jonah Coleman and wide receiver Denzel Boston, who departed for the NFL draft. With junior Rashid Williams and Freshman All-American Dezmen Roebuck leading the way at wide receiver, the Huskies are also looking for big contributions from four-star freshmen Jordan Clay and Trez Davis, while transfers Jayden Limar and Trey Cooley could anchor the running back room.

If Demond Williams is able to take a step forward in big games that Fisch is looking for behind an offensive line that is internally expected to be one of the best in the conference, the Huskies should have a great opportunity to live up to Mandel's ranking.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies ranked inside The Athletic's preseason Top 15

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