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2026 Washington Huskies Football Predictions with Betting Odds and Best Bets

by Ryan Cobbett - 8/18/2026

Washington Huskies football predictions Demond Williams Jr.

The Washington Huskies are a few years removed from their National Championship appearance, and the fans are ready for another shot. The football program has remained consistent in terms of being good, but now they need to step up and push for playoff consistency. All eyes are on the dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and whether or not he can play at a high level to bring his Huskies back into the playoffs, but also to fight for the Heisman Trophy. This year will be huge in defining Jedd Fisch’s legacy as he has taken a gutted program and built them back up. Reaching the playoffs has evolved from wishful thinking to a realistic expectation for this season.

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Washington Huskies Summary of Last Season

The Huskies put together a decent season, though they fell way short of returning to the playoffs. They began the season winning three straight, but then they fell to the then top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 24-6. After that dismantling at the hands of the Buckeyes, Washington never really got back on track. They went on to pick up three more regular season losses to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Oregon. They finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and went on to play in the Bucked Up LA Bowl against Boise State. The Huskies dominated the Broncos 38-10, finishing the year 9-4.

The Huskies offense was one of the best in the Big 10. They averaged 409.9 YPG and averaged just over 34 PPG. Williams Jr. threw for 3,065 yards, completed nearly 70% of his passes, threw 25 touchdowns, and threw just eight interceptions last season. He also added 611 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Jonah Coleman led the ground game as he recorded 758 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Backup running back Adam Mohammed finished with 523 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Denzel Boston was Williams’ favorite target. He led the team with 881 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. Dezmen Roebuck finished with 560 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Coleman added another 354 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

As for the Washington defense, they ranked inside the Top Five in the Big 10 in YPG allowed (311.4), and they held opponents to just 18.7 PPG. Alex McLaughlin led the team with 94 tackles, while also adding six pass deflections and two interceptions. McLaughlin also recorded two defensive touchdowns last season. Xe’ree Alexander recorded 70 tackles, one sack, three pass deflections, and one interception. Edge rushers Jacob Lane and Zach Durfee tied for the team lead in sacks with four apiece, and Durfee added a forced fumble.

2026 Washington Huskies Football Key Additions/Losses

There were seven Huskies drafted last season. Boston headlined the class as he was the first Huskies player taken. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round. Cornerback Tacario Davis followed in the third round. Coleman, offensive tackle Carver Willis, and cornerback Ephesians Prysock were drafted in fourth round. Defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (sixth round) and Durfee (seventh round) rounded out the draft class for Washington. The Huskies also lost Mohammed (California), wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright (Arizona State), linebacker Deven Bryant (USC), and interior offensive lineman Paki Finau (BYU) in the transfer portal.

Despite the losses, Washington ranks 15th in the country in return production (65%), with the offensive returning production (69%) ranking 13th in the country. They added offensive tackle Kolt Dieterich (Sam Houston State), running back Jayden Limar (Oregon), cornerback Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia), wide receiver Christian Moss (Kennesaw State), and wide receiver Bodpegn Miller (Ohio State).

2026 Washington Huskies Football Schedule Breakdown

The Huskies should have plenty of time to settle in this season, as their first four games should be relatively easy wins. They stay at home for the entire month of September as they welcome in the likes of Washington State, Utah State, Eastern Washington, and Minnesota. They will begin October with their first true test as they travel to take on USC. Then they have to turn around and host Iowa on the following Friday. Those two contests are far from their only tests on the season as they also have to travel to Nebraska and Oregon as well as host Penn State and Indiana. The Huskies need to establish early momentum with Indiana and Oregon looming to close out the season.

2026 Washington Huskies Football X-Factors/Big Questions

Is Demond Williams Capable of Winning the Heisman?

Yes, he absolutely can win the Heisman this season. He provides some of the best value at +5500. Willaims is not only a highly efficient passer, but he can also take off and extend plays with his legs. Last season he totaled over 3,500 yards and tallied 31 touchdowns. It can only be assumed he takes another step forward in Fisch’s offense and flirts with 4,000 total yards and perhaps close to 40 total touchdowns. Do not sleep on Williams.

Is Washington a Sleeper?
Yes, as with Williams, the Huskies are big time dark horse candidates. They have an easy September which allows them to establish explosive playmakers alongside Williams, as well as right any wrongs on the defensive side of the ball. If they can take down USC on the road, their playoff chances skyrocket. If they can survive Iowa and Penn State at home, their playoff chances keep increasing, and winning those three games early could pad their resume enough to where losing to Indiana and Oregon would not eliminate their playoff hopes. Do not sleep on Washington.

2026 Washington Huskies Football Notable Odds:

National Championship: +8000

Big 10 Champion: +3000

Heisman Winner- Demond Williams Jr.: +5500

Predicted Win Total: 7.5 Games

2026 Washington Huskies Football Predictions:

I am taking the over on the win total, in a very confident manner. They will pick up four quick wins to open the season, and they should pick up at least three more by the end of October. Washington has a 10-2 ceiling, but their floor is also high at 8-4. Williams is one of the best players in the country and he should take a huge step forward in his productivity this season. Expect the Huskies to be flirting with a playoff appearance this season.

Prediction: Over 7.5 Wins, -154

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