Washington football relies on defensive experience for 2026 season improvement

Head coach Jedd Fisch enters the 2026 season aiming to build on the Washington Huskies' 9-4 record from the previous year. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters oversees a unit that returns 11 players with starting experience, building on a foundation that ranked among the national leaders in points allowed and run defense last season. The defensive depth is anchored by a veteran linebacker corps including Jacob Manu, Xe'ree Alexander, and Zaydrius Rainey-Sale. A secondary featuring four returning starters is bolstered by the addition of cornerback Emmanuel Karnley, who arrived from Virginia. While the offense transitions following the departure of seven players to the NFL draft, the team looks to its defensive complexity and mental preparation to secure a higher standing in the Big Ten. The coaching staff plans to utilize fall camp to evaluate individual personnel fits before finalizing schemes for the upcoming schedule.

• 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Defense can lead Washington football's step forward in 2026