Jedd Fisch addresses Bryun Parham's departure from Washington program

Washington linebacker Bryun Parham opted out of the rest of the 2024 season last week in order to enter the transfer portal.

Parham appeared in four games this season, before choosing to take a redshirt year in order to maintain his season of elgibility.

Washington head coach Jedd Fisch addressed Parham’s decision during his press conference on Monday.

“Yea, I think Bryun just felt like the situation for him here, he wanted to try to maintain one more year or eligibility, and I think maybe have a place to go start,” Jedd Fisch said. “But we wished him the best and he’ll have an opportunity to go in the transfer portal when it opens.”

Bryun Parham transferred to Washington this offseason after spending three years at San Jose State. He was the Spartans’ leading tackler in 2023 with 106, and his performance earned him honorable mention All-Mountain West honors.

Parham went through spring practice, summer workouts and fall camp in Seattle, before appearing in four games this season. He recorded 11 tackles for the Huskies, with his season-high being four vs. Eastern Michigan. He also forced a fumble in what turned into a 30-9 win for Washington.

He will be away from the team after deciding to enter the transfer portal, although Washington will continue to help him in some ways, per Fisch.

“Yea, players that aren’t on the team have the ability to remain on scholarship, have the ability to continue their academic support and their medical support,” Fisch said. “They have academic support and medical support only.”

Parham is not the first player to sit out for the remainder of the 2024 season. UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka was the first, quickly followed by Rebels running back Michael Allen. Late last Wednesday night, USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander announced the same, planning to enter the transfer portal once it opens.

However, the now former Washington linebacker says NIL has nothing to do with his decision of opting out.

“That (NIL) had zero factor in my decision,” Parham said. “I’m not really worried about money like that, I’m just trying to get developed and showcase my skills so that I can get to that next level. NIL has zero impact on my decision to redshirt this year. This is a football and life decision.”

Washington is coming off of a tough loss at Rutgers this past week. The Huskies dropped a hard-fought 21-18 game.