Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies return over 25,000 snaps of experience, one of the top marks in the Big Ten, setting the stage for a breakout 2026 campaign behind a star-studded defense led by coordinator Ryan Walters. Can this blend of veteran leadership and emerging stars fuel a rise in the rankings? Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff and Last Word On College Sports' Nick Lemkau spotlight Phil Steele’s top-25 secondary, headlined by Alex McLaughlin, Rahshawn Clark, Dylan Robinson, Emmanuel Karnley, and Rylon Dillard-Allen, and break down the impact of a loaded offensive line returning nearly 2,000 snaps. Recruiting buzz intensifies as four-star OT Rashaun Lavata'i heads to Montlake for a mid-week official visit, and top-ranked punter Nolan Balke was a late addition to the weekend list of visitors. The hosts also analyze rising prospects like Josh Christensen and assess the depth chart’s future with insights on roster rotations, defensive versatility, and player development. Are the Huskies poised to leap ahead in the Big Ten thanks to elite experience and a strong recruiting class? 00:00 Intro 01:28 Washington’s returning experience and snap count numbers for 2026 03:35 Impact and development of underclassmen and freshmen contributors 06:15 Offensive line’s returning production and expectations for 2026 08:43 Added depth across positions, transfer portal impact, and move to Phil Steele’s secondary unit rankings 11:14 Analysis of projected depth chart and key players in the secondary 22:01 Official visits: focus on four-star OT Rashawn Lavatai, DL recruiting, and special teams addition Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.