Kai McClendon earns spot on Washington defensive depth chart

Mississippi State transfer Kai McClendon has secured a place on the Washington Huskies defensive line depth chart after completing his recovery from a spring 2025 knee injury. The defensive tackle, who spent months in rehabilitation, participated in boxing-based conditioning with director of sport science Ben Creamer before returning to full contact practice. During recent team sessions, McClendon demonstrated his defensive skill by batting down a pass from Demond Williams Jr. that linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah intercepted. Head coach Jedd Fisch confirmed that the team expects McClendon to play a significant role in the defensive rotation this season. He is currently listed as a second-string option alongside Darin Conley, trailing starters Elinneus Davis and Derek Colman-Brusa.

• 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Kai McClendon made a quick impact along Washington's defensive line