Washington's Jedd Fisch ready to take next step toward CFP berth in 2026
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Washington's Jedd Fisch ready to take next step toward CFP berth in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Entering his third season leading the Washington Huskies, Jedd Fisch addressed media members in Chicago by expressing profound appreciation for his family, university leadership under President Jones and Athletic Director Pat Chun, and Commissioner Tony Petitti's stellar guidance of the conference.
Fisch made it a point to shift the spotlight away from administrative headlines and back to where it belongs: the players. "Somewhere along the way, we've lost track of the players and spent so much time talking about NIL and the transfer portal… We've lost track of the very special kids that represent college athletics and college sports," Fisch said.
Highlighting Washington's commitment to roster stability, Fisch pointed out that the program relies heavily on high-school recruitment and internal development rather than leaning on the transfer portal.
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"This team was not bought; this team was built. This team was built from 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds," Fisch said passionately.
The Huskies return 58 players from a squad that starts veterans across almost every position, returning starters at 20 of 22 spots, and boasting over 400 career college starts while remaining one of the youngest rosters in the nation.
Bringing veteran leadership to Chicago, Fisch was joined by linebacker Jacob Manu, quarterback Demond Williams, and center Landen Hatchett. Praising Williams heading into his second year as a starter, Fisch noted that the young quarterback has taken total command of the locker room.
Reflecting on the physical demands of competing in the Big Ten, Fisch discussed the unique challenges of cross-country travel across three time zones.
Drawing on advice from NFL coaching minds like Sean McVay, Fisch explained that treating travel with an NFL-level professional mentality prepares players for the highest level of competition. H
Fisch noted that the conference's brutal week-to-week grind builds a distinct brand of toughness. Guided by their core five-word acronym SPELL—respect, accountability, integrity, selflessness, and enthusiasm—Fisch and the Huskies are fully prepared to raise the bar in Seattle.
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