2026 Washington Huskies Depth Chart

Washington’s fantasy fortunes revolve around dual-threat QB Demond Williams Jr., who enters 2026 as a confident QB1 after a breakout sophomore campaign (3,065 yards passing, 611 rushing) that showcased his elite upside. The Huskies went to great lengths (including an NIL contract standoff) to retain Williams for this role, so there’s no controversy under center. Behind him, former blue-chip transfer Elijah Brown projects as QB2 due to his prior Power Five experience, although his more static pocket style could limit his fantasy appeal. High-ceiling underclassmen Dash Beierly and Treston “Kini” McMillan remain on the roster as well – both are athletic, three-star recruits in the Williams mold – but barring injury they’ll stay in developmental roles. The bottom line: Williams’ rushing and playmaking make him the clear starter (and a top fantasy QB), while Brown provides insurance with a lower ceiling.

At running back, Notre Dame/Oregon transfer Jayden Limar is penciled in as RB1 thanks to his blend of experience and talent. A Washington native and former 4⭐ recruit, Limar brings three years of Pac-12 play and receiving ability out of the backfield – exactly what this backfield needs after losing 2025’s top rushers (Jonah Coleman graduated and Adam Mohammed transferred). His all-around game and college-ready frame give him the first crack at lead duties. Sophomore Julian McMahan slots in as RB2 on opportunity – the 6’2″ power back will have a year in the system and should handle short-yardage early on. However, McMahan will be pushed by incoming freshman Brian Bonner, a dynamic 4⭐ recruit who “will carry the future rushing load” for Washington alongside a younger back. Bonner’s home-run speed could force a committee if he flashes immediately, so McMahan’s hold on the #2 role is tenuous. Expect Limar to lead the group in touches (especially with his pass-catching), but the battle between McMahan’s steady floor and Bonner’s explosive ceiling will be a key fantasy storyline.

At receiver, Washington lacks proven upperclassmen stars, so a mix of veteran size and underclassman upside defines the WR1–WR6 ranks. Sophomore Chris Lawson profiles as the top target (WR1) after arriving as a “do-it-all” 4⭐ recruit expected to contribute early – his versatility and playmaking should translate into high volume from the slot or flanker. Senior Denzel Boston, by contrast, offers a 6’4″ frame and red-zone chops as the likely WR2; he’ll be a touchdown threat on the outside even if Lawson outpaces him in receptions. Redshirt junior Rashid Williams provides a reliable possession option (think WR3) and will command targets on experience alone, though his upside isn’t quite as high as Lawson’s. The rest of the depth chart will be determined by how quickly Washington’s young wideouts develop. Speedy sophomore Raiden Vines-Bright – one of five WRs in the 2025 class – has flashed big-play ability and could emerge as a field stretcher, potentially leapfrogging steadier veteran Kevin Green Jr. if the offense craves explosiveness. Meanwhile, physically polished wideout Deji Ajose has the build to hold up in the Big Ten and may earn WR5/WR6 duties over other newcomers if he proves more game-ready. In short, Lawson’s ascendancy (talent trumping youth) and Boston’s senior presence create a 1-2 punch, with a competitive mix of breakaway speed (Vines-Bright) and dependable hands (Williams, Green, Ajose) rounding out the six – a group with more upside than track record. At tight end, junior Ryan Otton looks poised to step into the TE1 role once held by his older brother (NFL TE Cade Otton), and his route-running and size should ensure he’s running the most pass routes and seeing key red-zone looks. Redshirt sophomore Decker DeGraaf will be TE2, valued for his athletic upside, but likely used in a secondary role unless Otton’s snaps waver. Finally, at kicker the Huskies will likely roll with true freshman C.J. Wallace, a scholarship signee out of California, making him an untested but presumptive K1 given the departure of previous kicker Grady Gross.