Predicting the win total ceiling, floor for Washington in 2024

It’s a new era in Washington. After leading the Huskies to the national championship last season, head coach Kalen DeBoer left the program to take over at Alabama. In turn, Washington hired former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch.

Of course, with the staff turnovers, Washington saw a mass exodus of players enter the transfer portal. However, the program also reeled in 29 players to soften the blow of its losses, earning the No. 21 spot in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings.

In total, Washington lost 20 starters from last season. Of course, Fisch is no stranger to taking over ugly situations. In his first year at Arizona in 2021, the team finished with a 1-11 overall record and a 1-8 mark in conference play. In contrast, the team boasted a 10-3 record this past season and defeated Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.

So, what should Washington fans expect from their new fearless leader this fall? On Monday, On3’s Andy Staples and Cody Bellaire weighed in on the situation.

Ceiling: 9-3 overall record

Washington may not be contending for a national championship again next spring, but Staples believes the Huskies won’t be far behind.

“I don’t think you you look at them as contenders for the Big Ten title right off the bat but, for the ceiling, I got them at 9-3 because I have some faith in Jedd Fisch,” Staples said. “I don’t know what the quarterback situation is going to be. I’m assuming it’s Will Rogers but I’ve been going told to watch out for Demond Williams Jr.“

Rogers transferred to Washington this offseason after spending four seasons at Mississippi State. While Rogers has proven his ability to hold his own at the highest level, Bellaire believes Williams brings unique assets to the table.

“[Williams] is more of what he’s had at Arizona. Him and Noah Fifita are very similar types of players,” Bellaire said. “Will Rogers maybe gives them a safer option at quarterback. He’s a guy that’s played a bajillion games. He takes care of the football. He can come in and learn the system quickly.”

Floor: 5-7 overall record

Although Staples and Bellaire believe Washington will have the talent necessary at quarterback to succeed, they know one player alone can’t win games.

“I had 5-7 as the floor, just in case it’s very bad or the chemistry is bad,” Staples said. “Again, you just don’t know when you’re putting this much new on the field.”

Bellaire backed Staples’ claim, asserting the most pivotal part of the season for Washington will be its first five games.

“If they struggle in those first five games and they can’t seem to find their footing going into Michigan [in Week 6], I think this is a team that might sniff .500,” Bellaire said.

Only time will tell Washington’s fate. The Huskies will kick off the 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 as they square off against Weber State.