Where Washington Must Spend in the Portal to Chase the CFP in 2026

A position-by-position breakdown of Washington Huskies football’s biggest transfer portal needs under Jedd Fisch as UW prepares for a 2026 College Football Playoff push.

The transfer portal window opens on January 2nd, and Washington faces a critical offseason under Jedd Fisch. After a 9-4 season, the Huskies are poised to make a college football playoff run in 2026. Accomplishing this will require adding impact players from the portal. Here’s a realistic ranking of UW’s transfer portal needs by urgency.

1. Defensive Back: The Most Critical Need

Washington returns zero starting cornerbacks from 2025, making this the most pressing position on the roster. Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis both have exhausted their eligibility, leaving younger players like rising sophomores Dylan Robinson and Ramonz Adams left to fill the void.

The Huskies addition of Davis last portal cycle showed Fisch’s willingness to invest in a top-tier defensive back. While the Huskies bring in a talented 2026 secondary class, Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters likely does not want to rely on true freshmen corners to contribute at a high level immediately.

The challenge is that quality cornerbacks command premium NIL packages. Washington will need to compete with programs that have deeper pockets, meaning the Huskies may need to target experienced Group of 5 standouts or Power 4 players seeking opportunity over maximum compensation. Look for Washington to pursue corners with at least two years of starting experience who can provide immediate stability while younger players develop.

2. Wide Receiver: Preparing for Denzel Boston’s Likely Departure to the NFL

While Denzel Boston has not yet announced his intent to enter the NFL draft and forgo his one year of remaining college football eligibility, it is probably safe to assume that the Huskies’ No. 1 wideout will not return in 2026. Boston is projected as a first-round pick, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

Additionally, standout freshman Raiden Vines-Bright is also entering the transfer portal. Vines-Bright was projected to be a starter next season for the Huskies.

Washington’s receiver room has young talent, but may experience some growing pains with the departures of both Boston and Vines-Bright. Fisch’s offense benefits from explosive plays in the passing game, and the Huskies need at least one, possibly two, receivers who can step in and be a reliable target and big-play threat alongside rising sophomore Dezmen Roebuck.

The good news is that the portal typically offers strong receiver options, and Washington’s system has appeal for pass-catchers. Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the country.

3. Defensive Line: Adding Veteran Experience

While Washington returns bodies on the defensive line, the Huskies will lose Bryan Butler (portal) and the following to graduation: Simote Pepa, Anterio Thompson, and Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei. This is an obvious point, but the Huskies need interior linemen who can hold up against the run-heavy attacks common in the conference.

The ideal portal target would be a redshirt junior or senior defensive tackle with multiple years of Power 4 experience, someone who understands the physicality required and can contribute immediately in rotation. A veteran presence would also help develop the younger players on the roster.

4. Edge Rusher: Depth and Pass Rush Upside

Washington’s edge room isn’t in crisis, but lacks the depth to sustain injuries or provide consistent pass rush production in obvious passing situations. Adding one edge rusher through the portal would provide insurance and competition.

5. Running Back: Replacing Adam Mohammed

With Adam Mohammed entering the portal, running back slides onto Washington’s needs list. However, this ranks as the lowest priority given the existing depth. Jordan Washington returns after playing in ten games, four-star signee Brian Bonner is incoming, and the room includes Quaid Carr, Julian McMahan, and Ansu Sanoe.

Washington could choose to add nobody to this position and feel comfortable. If the Huskies do pursue a running back, it should be a plug-and-play veteran who can immediately compete for the starting job, not a depth piece.

The more likely scenario is that Washington saves its NIL resources for the more pressing needs at cornerback, receiver, and defensive line. Fisch and running backs coach Scottie Graham have proven they can develop running backs, and the current room has enough talent to produce a quality starter through internal competition.

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