Washington

Demond Williams Jr. entered the transfer portal but ultimately returned, giving Washington its starting quarterback back alongside one of the Big Ten's best defensive units. The Huskies rank 18th nationally in JP+'s preseason power ratings at +13.8 points, driven by an offense that grades 11th (+8.5) and a defense that checks in 18th (+5.8), though special teams remain a concern at 124th nationally. The portal churn was significant — 24 departures cost 227.5 PPA while 13 arrivals added just 79.6 back — but Christian Moss (45.6 PPA from Kennesaw State) helps offset the loss of Denzel Boston to the NFL Draft and Raiden Vines-Bright's transfer to Arizona State.

JP+ projects 7.7 wins for Washington in a Big Ten schedule that features road trips to Oregon and USC among the toughest tests, while home games against Washington State, Utah State, and Eastern Washington offer easier opportunities. The gap between that projection and potentially higher expectations centers on whether the offensive and defensive lines can develop the toughness needed to compete consistently in Big Ten play. If Williams stays healthy and the defense maintains its elite level with improved line play, Washington could push for nine wins and bowl relevance. If the trenches remain soft, that 7.7-win projection might prove optimistic.