Opponent Snapshot: Washington Huskies

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Head Coach: Jedd Fisch
Northwestern Record: 15-11 (32-33 overall)

Quick 2025 Recap

The Huskies had a “ho-hum” 9-4 season where they mostly beat the teams they should have while losing to the top-tier teams on the schedule. They aced the non-conference slate with blowout victories over Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State in the Apple Cup. Things became more difficult with Ohio State visiting to open up conference play, as they stifled the Huskies 24-6. Washington bounced back with victories over Maryland and Rutgers, but suffered their second loss of the season on a road trip to Michigan.

Their return to home was more favorable, taking down a ranked Illinois squad. But they followed that up by getting upset at Wisconsin. The Huskies were able to keep their season on track with blowouts of Purdue and UCLA, but once again were overwhelmed by rival Oregon to finish the regular season at 8-4. However, they ended the season on a positive note by crushing Boise State 38-10 in the LA Bowl.

Offensive Player to Watch

QB Demond Williams Jr.

Williams will be one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football this fall, and will be a load for any defense to handle. He is a true dual-threat quarterback who can hurt a defense just as effectively with his arm as his legs. He completed just under 70 percent of passes while throwing for 3,065 yards and an impressive 25-8 TD:INT ratio. If that wasn’t enough, he also added 611 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

While the Huskies offense went stagnant against the better defenses on the schedule, Williams wasn’t necessarily to blame. He will need better protection from an offensive line that struggled to protect him in 2025, as well as quickly finding replacements for wide receiver Denzel Boston, a first round pick, and leading rusher Jonah Coleman.

Defensive Player to Watch

S Alex McLaughlin

McLaughlin is among the key returnees for a stout Huskies defense that did not allow more than 26 points in a game in 2025. The Northern Arizona transfer was named the team’s defensive MVP after leading Washington with 94 tackles (24 more than any other Husky), along with two interceptions (one for a touchdown), six pass breakups and a fumble recovery. McLaughlin was a steady presence from week to week, and is a potential All-Big 10 safety as a senior.

Washington Wins If…

The Huskies would benefit greatly with a big day from its retooled defensive line. They will look to get the Penn State offense flustered, especially with the help of one of the nation’s loudest (and most underrated) home crowds. Fortunately for Washington, this game comes in early November, giving the new starters at the skill positions time to find their place in the offense, which should not take long with a dynamic talent like Williams under center.

Penn State Wins If…

The main key to victory could be keeping Williams in the pocket and not allowing him to escape for big gains with his legs. Williams should be able to generate enough to put pressure on the Penn State offense to keep pace. The Nittany Lions offense will need to be especially sharp, considering the toll of a cross-country trip combined with an intense atmosphere that will make it difficult to communicate. A slow start could doom them against a Huskies squad that is expected to have a strong defense and an explosive offense.

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