Washington Needs Pass Rush Help. Here Are 5 Portal Targets.

Washington loses Zach Durfee and Deshawn Lynch to graduation. Here are five edge rushers the Huskies should target to upgrade their pass rush

Dec 27, 2025

Washington will likely be searching for reinforcements at the edge rusher position this portal cycle.

At the position, the Huskies lose both Zach Durfee and Deshawn Lynch to graduation. Jacob Lane will return as a senior starter, with rising sophomore Devin Hyde slated to take the other starting edge spot. Other players on the roster at the position include Isaiah Ward, Victor Sanchez, Hayden Moore, and incoming freshman Derek Colman-Brusa. The Huskies could benefit from adding at least one and maybe two experienced players at this position.

Here are five edge defenders worth monitoring as the portal opens.

Tyler Thompson — EDGE | North Carolina

6-4, 245 lbs | Two years of eligibility remaining

Thompson is one of the most productive edge rushers who will hit the portal. The North Carolina defender totaled 26 tackles, 7 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles this season while earning an 85.0 PFF grade, the highest on UNC’s defense. He also finished fourth in the ACC in sacks.

Thompson’s blend of length, burst, and proven Power 4 production makes him a plug-and-play pass rush option. He profiles as a player who could immediately factor into a top-six edge rotation at the Power 4 level.

Thompson will likely command significant NIL interest from multiple Power 4 programs.

DJ Wesolak — EDGE | Missouri State

6-4, 255 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Wesolak brings an intriguing combination of Power 4 experience and developmental upside. A former four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he spent time at Missouri and Oregon State before landing at Missouri State, where he posted 38 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2025.

Wesolak’s 6-4, 255-pound frame and ability to hold up on early downs make him the type of rotational edge who could contribute 20-25 snaps per game.

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J’Dan Burnett — EDGE | Tulsa

6-0, 250 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Burnett put together one of the strongest edge seasons in the American Conference, finishing with 28 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. PFF graded him as one of the two highest-rated edge defenders in the American Conference in both overall and pass-rush grade.

Burnett’s efficiency as a pass rusher and his ability to convert pressures into sacks make him a strong value target—exactly the type of Group of 5 riser Washington should pursue. His production suggests he’s ready to compete at the Power 4 level immediately.

The one-year window creates urgency, but also potentially lowers his NIL cost compared to multi-year prospects. For a Washington program looking for immediate pass-rush juice without long-term financial commitment, Burnett checks multiple boxes.

Adam Trick — EDGE | Miami (OH)

6-4, 242 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Trick finished the season with 8.5 sacks, including a 2.0-sack performance against Wisconsin in Miami’s season opener—a statement game that put him on the map for Power 4 programs. He also recorded 12.5 TFLs and consistently created havoc in the MAC throughout the season. With proven production against high-level competition, Trick profiles as a likely starter.

Ezekiel Larry — EDGE | Yale

6-2, 240 lbs | One year of eligibility remaining

Larry, the former San Diego State transfer, recorded 48 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 6 QB hits, and 2 forced fumbles this season at Yale.

The transition from Ivy League to Big Ten competition is significant, but Larry’s production as a pass rusher makes him an intriguing option for programs like Washington seeking immediate pressure help. Larry’s path from Power 4 (SDSU) to Ivy League and back to Power 4 suggests a player motivated to prove he belongs at the highest level.

As the portal opens, expect this watch list to evolve quickly. The edge market moves fast, and Washington will need to act decisively once targets become available. Players continue to announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal before January 2nd. There are more names to account for, and the above list is simply a snapshot of the type of players available for Washington to pursue.

Ideally, the Huskies could land a plug-and-play starter and a rotational player. Washington will likely aim to land a player who could start and has at least one year of proven production. The Huskies would also benefit from adding a player with at least two years of eligibility at a lower price, with the hope of developing them into a productive player in the Big Ten.