Kolt Dieterich Commits to Washington as Huskies Open Transfer Portal Cycle
Why Dieterich’s commitment addresses a major Huskies need — plus updates on official visits, offers, and top portal targets
In a significant boost to their offensive line depth, the University of Washington Huskies have secured the commitment of offensive tackle Kolt Dieterich from Sam Houston State via the transfer portal. Dieterich took an official visit to Washington this past weekend.
Dieterich, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt sophomore from Riesel, Texas, brings valuable experience to Montlake. He entered the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, after a standout tenure with the Bearkats in Conference USA.
Over the past two seasons, Dieterich established himself as a reliable starter on the offensive line. In 2024, he started six of the final seven games at left tackle, logging 548 snaps. He then transitioned to right tackle in 2025, starting all 12 games and allowing just three sacks across 458 pass-blocking opportunities.
“Coach [Jedd] Fisch and Coach [Michael] Switzer welcomed me from the moment I was [on campus] and it felt like home,” Dieterich told SeaTown Sports. “Coach Switzer bragged on the room a lot and how close the guys are . . . that’s just something you want to be a part of.”
His performance earned him the second-highest grade among Conference USA offensive linemen by Pro Football Focus, with an overall score of 71.5, and he was recognized as the top-graded tackle in the conference.
As Washington’s first publicized transfer portal addition of the 2026 cycle, Dieterich addresses a critical need for the Huskies. The team lost rotational offensive linemen Paki Finau and Maximus McCree to the portal, along with starter Carver Willis to graduation, leaving gaps at the tackle positions.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Dieterich is poised to compete for a starting role, potentially challenging five-star freshman Kodi Greene at left tackle or providing stability as a backup to right tackle Drew Azzopardi, who is set to graduate after the 2026 season.
Dieterich’s journey to FBS football is noteworthy. A three-star recruit out of high school with no major Power Five offers, he redshirted his freshman year at Sam Houston before breaking out during the Bearkats’ 10-win season in 2024 as they transitioned from FCS.
His dual-sport background in football and basketball highlights his athleticism, which could translate well to the Big Ten’s physical demands. For Coach Fisch and offensive line coach Michael Switzer, this pickup aligns with their strategy of targeting experienced transfers to bolster the trenches.
Washington, which finished 2025 with a 9-4 record, aims to improve protection for their quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and enhance the run game in a competitive conference landscape.
As the transfer portal window remains open until January 16, 2026, the Huskies continue to pursue additional talent, but Dieterich’s commitment sets a positive tone for the portal cycle. Fans can expect him to make an immediate impact when spring practices begin.
Washington Huskies Transfer Portal Notebook: Key Targets on Official Visits and Offers
With Dieterich in the fold, the Huskies are wasting no time pursuing additional talent as the transfer portal window remains open until January 16, 2026. Washington, among other positions, is targeting the trenches, wide receiver depth, and special teams following several departures.
One intriguing wide receiver target is Naeshaun Montgomery, a 6-foot-1, 189-pound freshman from Florida. A former four-star recruit in the 2025 class, Montgomery saw limited action with the Gators but possesses significant upside with four years of eligibility remaining.
He is scheduled for an official visit to Seattle on January 5 and could serve as a replacement forRaiden Vines-Bright, who the Huskies lost to the portal (Arizona State). Montgomery is also considering Pitt, Missouri, and UCLA, making this a competitive recruitment.
Special teams could see an upgrade with Tyler Robles, a kicker transferring from Texas State. Per 247 Sports, Robles is expected to visit Washington. The 5-foot-7, 175-pound specialist began his career at USC before thriving with the Bobcats in 2025, posting strong numbers after limited opportunities early on. Washington looks to add a veteran leg to address the departure of Grady Gross and provide competition for incoming freshman C.J. Wallace.
On the defensive line—a major area of need after losing multiple starters to eligibility and the portal—the Huskies are hosting several high-priority visitors. DeSean Watts, a 6-foot-2, 318-pound interior lineman from Sacramento State, visited Washington this past weekend.
The sophomore earned one of the highest run-defense grades in FCS per PFF in 2025, starting nine games and showcasing pass-rush potential with a solid pressure rate. Watts, a former JUCO standout, has two years of eligibility left and fits Washington’s recent success with Sacramento State transfers (Deshawn Lynch).
Donta Simpson Jr., a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle from Miami, is also expected to visit Washington. Simpson, a three-star 2025 recruit, played sparingly for the Hurricanes amid their deep rotation. With depth concerns on Washington’s interior line, Simpson could compete immediately and has scheduled stops at Illinois, Texas, and SMU as well.
Washington has extended an offer to Jeremy Scott, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound wide receiver from South Alabama. The redshirt freshman exploded in 2025 with 24 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per reception. His size and big-play ability make him a coveted outside threat, though he is drawing interest from programs like Georgia and Baylor.
Finally, the Huskies have offered Ezra Christensen, a productive 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle from New Mexico State. Christensen posted one of the top PFF grades among FBS interior linemen in 2025, tallying impressive tackles for loss and sacks after transferring from Fresno State. A late bloomer with rangy athleticism, he has visits lined up with Colorado and Virginia.
