Washington's DL Portal Targets: 5 Names That Make Sense
Washington loses four defensive linemen this offseason. Here are five realistic transfer portal targets to replace Pepa, Thompson, and Uiagalelei.
With the transfer portal window approaching, Washington enters a pivotal offseason on the defensive line. The Huskies will lose Simote Pepa, Anterio Thompson, and Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei to graduation, along with Bryce Butler via the portal, leaving Washington thin in the trenches and removing significant experience from the rotation.
Washington doesn’t need stars for the sake of stars — it needs veteran contributors who can play early downs, hold up against the run, and stabilize the rotation under defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. Here are five defensive linemen to monitor as the portal opens. The list below does not include players who project to play the EDGE position.
John Walker — DL | UCF
6-4, 324 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining
After missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus suffered in fall camp, Walker returned in 2025, posting a career-high 40 tackles as a redshirt sophomore, with three TFLs, one sack, and one forced fumble. He was UCF’s highest-graded run defender according to Pro Football Focus.
Washington will face stiff competition from other Power 4 programs for Walker, who projects as an immediate starter at defensive tackle for the Huskies. His combination of size, experience, and proven production against the run makes him exactly the type of interior presence Walters needs to anchor the middle of his defense.
Nick Fernandez — DL | UTRGV
6-4, 306 lbs | Two years eligibility remaining
Fernandez brings an intriguing connection to Washington: he spent the 2023 season at Arizona under Jedd Fisch, transferring to UTRGV before the 2025 season. That familiarity with Fisch’s program and expectations could smooth his transition back to the Power 4 level.
This past season, Fernandez played in all 12 games for UTRGV, leading the team with two forced fumbles while totaling 17 tackles (including five multi-tackle games). Fernandez would bring needed physicality to Washington’s rotation as he fits the mold of a rotational interior lineman who can contribute early while still offering upside with two years of eligibility remaining.
DeSean Watts — DL | Sacramento State
6-2, 318 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining
Watts represents the kind of FCS-to-Power 4 jump Washington may need to lean into this cycle. This past season, Watts earned first-team all-Big Sky honors, ranking fourth overall among interior defensive linemen in the FCS and first against the rush, according to Pro Football Focus.
His physicality and consistency against the run are both traits Washington will prioritize as it reloads its interior rotation. Watts would represent the classic developmental success story Washington hopes to replicate—a dominant FCS performer ready to prove himself at the Power 4 level.
Rodney Lora— DL | Central Florida
6-3, 300 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining
Lora brings an interesting path: he spent two seasons at North Carolina (including one redshirt year) before transferring to UCF, where he totaled 22 tackles and 3.5 TFLs in 2025. His time in the ACC exposed him to high-level competition before he found a more significant role at UCF.
The question for Washington is whether Lora is a depth piece or a potential starter. His frame and production suggest a player who can contribute immediately in the rotation, with the upside to earn more snaps if he continues to develop. Coming from two Power 4 programs, Lora understands the demands of Big Ten football and brings two years of eligibility—valuable for a program trying to build sustained depth.
Malik Blocton — DL | Auburn
6-3, 300 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining
Blocton is the most upside-oriented name on this list. A four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he brings the kind of SEC-caliber physicality and recruiting pedigree that Washington lacks in the trenches. This past season, Blocton recorded 18 tackles and a fumble recovery across 11 games.
If the Huskies believe Blocton can develop under Walters’ system and defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi’s tutelage, he could be a worthwhile swing.
The Bottom Line
Washington’s approach in the portal should be to find experienced and physical defensive linemen who value opportunity and development. These five names represent realistic targets who can stabilize the rotation while younger players develop.
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