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League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Washington integrates young talent into defensive line for Apple Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Washington integrates young talent into defensive line for Apple Cup
Summary

Washington prepares for its season opener against Washington State on September 6 with a reshuffled defensive front. Freshmen Derek Colman-Brusa and Ramzak Fruean are slated to earn their first career starts, filling spots vacated by NFL draftees Zach Durfee and Anterio Thompson. They will play alongside returners Elinneus Davis and Jacob Lane, who offer veteran experience to the young unit. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters also plans to rotate in several transfers, including DeSean Watts, Darin Conley, and Kai McClendon, to bolster the pass rush after the Huskies finished with 24 sacks in 2025. While injuries have hampered several depth players like Isaiah Ward and Russell Davis II, the team enters the Apple Cup with a reinforced rotation intended to improve defensive pressure.

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Status Watch
  • •Derek Colman-Brusa and Ramzak Fruean are set to start on the defensive line.
  • •Washington plays Washington State in the Apple Cup on September 6.
  • •The defense looks to increase its 2025 total of 24 sacks with a new rotation.
  • •Transfers DeSean Watts, Darin Conley, and Kai McClendon join the defensive interior.
Latest Updates
  • 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Washington Football's Defensive Line Headlined By Fresh Faces
What they're saying
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While the Huskies starting defensive line features two standout freshmen, the depth and experience behind them will be the X-factor up front.

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