As the 2025 Big Ten football season approaches, Washington is hoping Year 2 in the conference brings the improvements they’re looking for. Ranked No. 8 in the preseason, the Huskies have reason to be optimistic, despite a challenging first year in their new conference home.
A Year of Adjustment
Washington’s inaugural Big Ten season in 2024 wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Adjusting to new time zones, the physicality of the conference, and tougher competition took a toll, resulting in a 4-5 conference record. However, the Huskies showed potential, and many are expecting them to make strides this year.
Why 2025 Could Be Different
The optimism surrounding Washington stems from several key factors. First, the emergence of dynamic quarterback Demond Williams Jr. gives the Huskies a real weapon under center. After showing flashes of brilliance last year, Williams is expected to take on an even bigger role in 2025, potentially elevating the team’s offense to new heights.
Second, Washington has bolstered its lines of scrimmage through key transfers, addressing one of the areas that was a struggle last season. The added depth and talent up front should provide better protection for Williams and improve the overall effectiveness of both the offense and defense.
Finally, second-year coach Jedd Fisch’s culture and schemes are starting to take hold. With a full year to implement his vision, Fisch is optimistic that the Huskies will play with more consistency and poise in 2025.
Not Quite a Title Contender Yet
While Washington has a lot of pieces in place to improve, they’re still a year away from being true title contenders in the Big Ten. The competition is fierce at the top, with teams like Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon leading the charge, but the Huskies are poised to make significant progress and could be a serious challenger in the coming seasons.
If Washington can capitalize on their improvements, they could see a jump in the standings and make a push for a top-tier finish. Fans are hopeful that 2025 will be a year of growth, setting the stage for even greater success in the future.
