Washington Huskies vs. Utah State recap: UW pulls out uninspiring win
by Seattle Times sports staff · The Seattle TimesThe Huskies defeated Utah State 16-14 to move to 2-0, but they gave the Aggies a late shot at the upset and their performance was again uninspiring against another overmatched opponent.
Here are grades for each side of the ball.
Utah State scored a touchdown with 1:50 left after UW settled for two field goals in the fourth quarter. Consistency on offense was an issue for the Huskies for a second straight game.
The UW defense allowed two touchdowns but turned up the pressure late, forcing three turnovers, including a game-sealing interception on a desperation heave into the end zone by the Aggies.
Immediately after Washington took its first lead on a 30-yard field goal, the Aggies’ offense struck big, with quarterback Grady Brosterhous finding a streaking Javon Robinson across the middle of the field for a 78-yard catch-and-run touchdown early in the second quarter.
But the Huskies responded as Ansu Sanoe powered into the end zone from a yard out to give UW a 10-7 lead.
After trading early punts with Utah State, Washington turned the ball over on downs after a drop by Trey Cooley on the Huskies’ second possession. The UW defense then stopped the Aggies on fourth down, as well.
The TV viewing experience, airing on the Big Ten Network’s alternate channel, threw some fans for a loop.
Editor’s note: This is a live account of the Huskies’ win over Utah State on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. It is no longer being updated.
Key Updates
7:45 pm
Vorel: Huskies’ alarming win over Utah State felt more like a warning
5:36 pm
4:01 pm
Game story: Huskies hold on to beat Utah State despite offensive struggles
3:54 pm
3:40 pm
3:27 pm
3:10 pm
2:54 pm
2:06 pm
1:57 pm
1:43 pm
1:31 pm
1:27 pm
1:11 pm
12:53 pm
KEY UPDATE
| 7:45 pm
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Vorel: Huskies’ alarming win over Utah State felt more like a warning
It’s one thing to have a weakness.
It’s worse when you enter the season expecting it’s a strength.
That makes the sorry state of Washington’s offensive line even more egregious. Because on Aug. 4, one day before UW officially opened training camp, coach Jedd Fisch gushed about his offensive front: “We’re big. I love it. They’re athletic as can be.”
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 5:36 pm
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Huskies’ grades for win over Utah State
For a second consecutive week, No. 19 Washington failed to impress against a Pac-12 opponent.
This time, the Huskies needed to intercept a Hail-Mary heave to escape with a 16-14 win over Utah State. Let’s get to the grades.
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 4:01 pm
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Game story: Huskies hold on to beat Utah State despite offensive struggles
The groans rang out as the Huskies headed back to their huddle.
With fewer than two minutes remaining and No. 19 Washington needing just one first down complete its slim victory against Utah State, coach Jedd Fisch drew up a play-action pass.
Junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. rolled to his right and found sophomore wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck wide open in the flat. Williams’ pass bounced harmlessly off his wide receivers hands. It epitomized another difficult day for the Washington offense.
Washington defeated Utah State 16-14 on an overcast Saturday afternoon in front of an announced crowd of 62,152 fans at Husky Stadium. The Huskies remain undefeated to start the season, but the victory did nothing to quell the questions continuing to hang around UW following an uninspiring start to the season against overmatched opponents.
—Andy Yamashita
KEY UPDATE
| 3:54 pm
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Final: Huskies 16, Utah State 14
Utah State reaches Washington's 39-yard line, but with only 6 seconds remaining, the Aggies are forced into a desperation heave to the end zone, which is picked off by Washington's Rahshawn Clark. The Huskies escape with a 16-14 win.
—Kyle Nabors
3:43 pm
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Huskies recover onside attempt
Washington recovers Utah State's onside kick attempt and needs one first down to officially seal it.
16-14 Washington | 1:50 4Q
—Kyle Nabors
KEY UPDATE
| 3:40 pm
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Not over yet...
Utah State quarterback Grady Brosterhous finds Eli Woods for a 7-yard touchdown. The Aggies are within 16-14 with 1:50 remaining but with only one timeout left. An onside kick is coming up.
—Kyle Nabors
3:31 pm
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UW's struggling run game
On third-and-2 from the Utah State 25-yard line, UW freshman running back Ansu Sanoe was stoned for no gain and the Huskies were held to another field goal. That's the story for a UW offense that has averaged just 3.4 yards per rush ... even including Demond Williams Jr.'s 36-yard scramble. The long rush for a Husky tailback today is a paltry 10 yards.
Washington 16-7 | 5:41 4Q
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 3:27 pm
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Huskies pad their lead
It took more than three and a half quarters, but the Huskies finally have a two-score lead after Tyler Robles' 43-yard field goal.
Of course, UW's offensive issues haven't evaporated. The Huskies were forced to settle for the field goal attempt after running back Ansu Sanoe was stuffed on third-and-2.
Washington 16-7 | 6:28 4Q
—Kyle Nabors
3:19 pm
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McLaughlin's big drive
Have a drive, Alex McLaughlin.
One play after sacking USU quarterback Grady Brosterhous for a 6-yard loss, McLaughlin wrestles a pass away from a Utah State receiver for UW's second turnover of the game.
It's McLaughlin's second interception in as many games for the Huskies and his fourth since transferring from FCS Northern Arizona in 2025.
13-7 Washington | 10:00 Q4
—Andy Yamashita
KEY UPDATE
| 3:10 pm
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Roebuck drops the ball (literally)
Dezmen Roebuck is supposed to be Washington's top wide receiver.
He didn't look like it on third-and-goal from the 8, as quarterback Demond Williams Jr. escaped right and appeared to find Roebuck for a possible touchdown. Instead, Roebuck dropped the pass and lifted his hands to his helmet, and UW settled for another field goal.
Without injured wideouts Christian Moss and Rashid Williams, and injured running backs Quaid Carr and Jayden Limar, the Huskies have an alarming lack of legitimate playmakers. When Roebuck was needed, he dropped the ball.
Washington 13-7 | 12:54 4Q
—Mike Vorel
2:59 pm
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End 3Q: Huskies 10, Utah State 7
The Huskies outgained Utah State 102-2 in the third quarter and didn't allow a first down, but they still enter the final quarter with just a 10-7 lead.
Washington is in business, however, after Demond Williams Jr. scrambled for 36 yards on the final play of the quarter to set up the Huskies at Utah State's 23-yard line.
—Kyle Nabors
KEY UPDATE
| 2:54 pm
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Boos for the punt team
Boos echo around Husky Stadium as Jedd Fisch sends out the punt team on fourth-and-1 from Utah State's 49-yard line.
Another ugly offensive showing for the Huskies to start the season. Washington's running game is nonexistent right now and UW is struggling to protect Demond Williams Jr. The Aggies continue to hang around.
10-7 Washington | 1:35 Q3
—Andy Yamashita
2:48 pm
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McLaughlin saves the day
The Husky offense has been totally uninspiring through two and a half quarters.
Thankfully, UW's defense continues to do its part. On third-and-1 from the Utah State 48-yard line, Husky safety Alex McLaughlin corralled quarterback Grady Brosterhous for a nine-yard sack to force a fifth punt. The Aggies are now 1 for 8 on third down and have rushed for five total yards.
If only UW's offense could actually capitalize ...
Washington 10-7 | 6:01 3Q
—Mike Vorel
2:42 pm
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Searching for momentum
Washington has had the ball twice in the second half with both drives resulting in punts.
The Huskies have outgained Utah State 247-144 and have a 13-to-5 first-down advantage, but UW still only leads by a field goal as the Aggies start their second drive of the second half.
Washington 10-7 | 7:56 3Q
—Kyle Nabors
2:25 pm
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Huskies down a starting cornerback
Senior cornerback Emmanuel Karnley did not dress for the second half after leaving the game limping following the 78-yard touchdown by Utah State's Javon Robinson.
Freshman Jeron Jones will likely move outside while junior Rahshawn Clark takes over full-time snaps at nickel.
Senior wide receiver Rashid Williams is still in uniform on the sideline.
Second half kicks off now.
—Andy Yamashita
2:07 pm
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UW can't capitalize on Robinson's pick
That's what Washington needed.
But the response was not enough.
With a sluggish offense, UW found a way to flip momentum before halftime, as sophomore cornerback Dylan Robinson pulled in his first career pick. Considering the Huskies get the ball to start the third quarter, there was an obvious opportunity to seize control.
Instead, following a six-play, 34-yard drive, Tyler Robles missed a 48-yard field goal attempt. It was a deflating end to an ugly half.
Washington 10-7 | halftime
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 2:06 pm
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Huskies searching for WR options
Washington giving some opportunities to freshman wide receiver Trez Davis here at the end of the half. He gets his first career catch, a 19-yard gain, as UW tries to add points late, then gains seven yards on his next catch and steps out with a second remaining to set up a 48-yard attempt for Tyler Robles.
But the fifth-year kicker pushes his attempt wide right.
UW needs some young receivers to step up with Christian Moss out and Rashid Williams' status uncertain.
10-7 Washington | End Q2
—Andy Yamashita
KEY UPDATE
| 1:57 pm
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Rashid Williams to the injury tent
Senior wide receiver Rashid Williams took a quick visit to the injury tent. He returned briefly for a few plays, but took his gloves off during the timeout. He's still on the sidelines, but UW is going with a heavy does of freshman Jordan Clay, sophomore Dezmen Roebuck and sophomore Chris Lawson as the half winds down.
—Andy Yamashita
1:48 pm
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Ansu Sanoe to the end zone
UW had some problems on the goal line against WSU.
So against the Utah State, Washington gives the ball to freshman running back Ansu Sanoe, a 6-0, 240-pound Oregon native, who plunges into the end zone for his first career touchdown despite minimal help from his offensive line.
Keep an eye on Sanoe — and not junior defensive back Kayden Greene, who was indicated on the television broadcast as the scorer — in short yardage situations going forward.
10-7 Washington | 6:35 Q2
—Andy Yamashita
1:45 pm
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Freshman WR impressing
Sophomore Chris Lawson may have gotten the start for Christian Moss today, but freshman wide receiver Jordan Clay is enjoying a strong first half.
Clay, a highly touted composite four-star prospect from Madison High of San Antonio, Texas, dealt with a disrupted spring and fall because of various injuries. After making his collegiate debut against Washington State but failing to register a reception, Clay has three catches for 35 yards receiving early against Utah State.
His most recent catch was his most impressive, a 19-yard gain after fighting through defensive holding on an out route along the left sideline and making a leaping catch in traffic for a first down.
—Andy Yamashita
KEY UPDATE
| 1:43 pm
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Huskies retake the lead with 8-play drive
After Demond Williams Jr. is ruled down just inches short of the end zone, Ansu Sanoe rumbles in on the next play to put UW back in front 10-7.
The Huskies answer Utah State's touchdown with an 8-play, 65-yard drive to retake the lead.
10-7 Washington | 6:41 2Q.
—Kyle Nabors
1:34 pm
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Uncomplimentary football
An uninspiring pair of drives there, as UW fails to find the end zone from Utah State's 11-yard line, then allows the Aggies to take the lead on a 78-yard touchdown pass from Grady Brosterhous to wide receiver Javon Robinson, who eluded freshman nickel Jeron Jones after a long delay on USU's run-pass option play.
7-3 Utah State | 11:19 Q2
—Andy Yamashita
1:32 pm
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Bonner falls on fumble
So in UW's last two possessions, Trey Cooley dropped a pass that might have gone for an easy touchdown on fourth down, and then Brian Bonner fumbled a hand off on Utah State's 11-yard line. The Huskies got points out of the drive, but their offense (specifically the running game) remains alarming. Husky running backs have rushed for 5 yards on four carries.
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 1:31 pm
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Aggies strike back
The Aggies need just one play to respond and take their first lead.
Utah State quarterback Grady Brosterhous hits receiver Javon Robinson over the middle, and Robinson sprints away from the UW defense for a 78-yard touchdown in front of a stunned Husky crowd.
7-3 Utah State | 11:19 2Q
—Kyle Nabors
KEY UPDATE
| 1:27 pm
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Huskies on the board first
Washington gets on the board first with kicker Tyler Robles connecting from 30-yards out to give the Huskies a 3-0 lead.
The Huskies' scoring drive goes 46 yards on 10 plays.
3-0 Washington | 11:35 2Q
—Kyle Nabors
1:23 pm
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Huskies honor Voi Tunuufi
Huskies honor former UW defensive tackle Voi Tunuufi, who died in a three-car collision in West Jordan, Utah, on May 4, 2025.
Tunuufi played 52 games across four seasons at Washington, and was part of the 2023 Husky team that won the Pac-12 championship, the Sugar Bowl and appeared in the College Football Playoff championship game. Members of Tunuufi's family were present, with fans applauding while a photo of Tunuufi was shown on the Husky Stadium jumbotron.
—Andy Yamashita
1:21 pm
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Husky defense almost sparks a lead
Washington's defense almost scores the first points of the game, as fifth-year edge rusher Isaiah Ward appeared to force a fumble by running back Sesi Vailahi, which linebacker Taariq "Buddah" Al-Uqdah recovered and returned 43 yards for a touchdown.
A review, however, rules Vailahi was down before the fumble. It doesn't matter much as UW gets a fourth-down stop courtesy of Derek Colman-Brusa as the quarter winds down.
—Andy Yamashita
1:20 pm
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Cooley's big drop
UW's running back situation sure seems concerning.
On fourth-and-2 from Utah State's 34-yard line, UW quarterback Demond Williams Jr. faked a hand off and lofted a perfect pass to running back Trey Cooley, who had leaked left out of the backfield. Surrounded by open field, Cooley dropped the pass and fell to his knees, squandering what might have been a 34-yard touchdown.
Without injured tailbacks Quaid Carr and Jayden Limar, Cooley and true freshman Brian Bonner will be counted on in the Husky backfield. That pair has contributed 2 rushing yards on three carries thus far. Not an inspiring start.
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 1:11 pm
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Missed opportunity
The Huskies, facing fourth-and-3 at Utah State's 34-yard line, elect to keep their offense on the field, but running back Trey Cooley drops a wide-open pass that would have easily picked up the first down and possibly six points considering all of the open field in front of him.
The home crowd lets out a big groan, and Utah State goes back on offense.
0-0 tie | 3:05 1Q
—Kyle Nabors
12:59 pm
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UW's freshman continues to impress
A true freshman defensive tackle just made an open field tackle in punt coverage for Washington.
It may have looked like a forgettable sequence, but that was 6-foot-5, 295-pound freshman Derek Colman-Brusa storming down the field to wrap up Utah State's Javen Jacobs in the open field. When it comes to quickness and athleticism on the interior defensive line, you don't see that every day.
0-0 tie | 8:57 1Q
—Mike Vorel
KEY UPDATE
| 12:53 pm
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UW offensive starters revealed
Huskies make some expected changes to their offensive starters against the Aggies.
Seventh-year offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett starts at right guard over sophomore Champ Taulealea. Sophomore wideout Chris Lawson starts at X receiver in place of the injured Christian Moss (soft tissue) and Bonner starts at running back as announced.
Senior center Kolt Dieterich gets called for a hold on the Huskies' first offensive snap of the game, and UW goes 3-and-out on its first drive.
0-0 Tie | 9:08 Q1
—Andy Yamashita
12:51 pm
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Another underdog gets too conservative
A week ago, Washington State — which was a 23.5-point underdog — entered UW territory on its opening drive, only to punt on fourth and manageable.
Today, Utah State — a 24.5-point underdog that lost to an FCS opponent last week — just did the same thing.
That's an illogical decision by Utah State coach Bronco Mendenhall. Field goals and field position won't pull an upset on the road at a ranked Washington. The Aggies need touchdowns, especially early, to establish themselves and create some confidence. Conservative punt decisions don't deliver that.
0-0 tie | 10:37 1Q
—Mike Vorel
12:49 pm
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Huskies on offense
Utah State reached midfield on its opening possession before the drive stalls and the Aggies are forced to punt.
The Huskies get the ball for the first time and will start from their own 17-yard line.
0-0 Tie | 10:37 Q1
—Kyle Nabors
12:47 pm
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Game airing on BTN alternate channel
For those having troubles finding this game on Big Ten Network, it is airing on an alternate or "overflow" channel.
For Comcast users, that appears to be Channel 1315. UW is recommending Comcast subscribers stream the game on the Big Ten app, if they're still having issues.
From the Big Ten: "Big Ten Network uses Extra Football Game Channels to televise Big Ten Network football games occurring at the same time. These Extra Football Game Channels are only available on Saturdays during the football season. Big Ten Network has offered all of its TV providers the opportunity to make these Extra Football Game Channels available to their subscribers. Channel numbers typically are assigned mid-week for that weekend's games."
—Chris Cole
12:43 pm
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Mississippi State transfer gets start
Junior defensive tackle Kai McClendon, a Mississippi State transfer, got his first career start for UW in place of injured senior defensive lineman Elinneus Davis.
Additionally, junior Rahshawn Clark was the first nickel on the field over freshman Jeron Jones.
Utah State starts the game with fifth-year quarterback Grady Brosterhous instead of regular starter McCae Hillstead, who started coach Bronco Mendenhall's season-opening loss against FCS Idaho State. Mendenhall later said Hillstead was dealing with an arm injury.
0-0 Tie | 13:08 Q1
—Andy Yamashita
12:37 pm
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Gametime at Husky Stadium
We're set for kickoff between Washington and Utah State here at Husky Stadium.
The Huskies win the toss and defer to the second half. The Aggies will start on offense.
—Kyle Nabors
12:27 pm
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Washington announces freshman RB as starter
Starting lineups aren't always accurate, but Washington announced freshman Brian Bonner Jr. as the team's starting running back against Utah State.
The Huskies are shorthanded following injuries to sophomore Quaid Carr (hand) and senior Jayden Limar (elbow). Fisch said Thursday that Bonner, sixth-year Troy transfer Trey Cooley and freshman Ansu Sanoe will get a majority of the snaps against Utah State.
—Andy Yamashita
12:15 pm
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Elinneus Davis out against Utah State
UW starting defensive tackle Elinneus Davis is in street clothes during warmups and will apparently not play against Utah State.
Davis — a fourth-year player from Moorhead, Minn. — is UW's most experienced interior defensive lineman. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder made one tackle in the win over Washington State.
Fifth-year defensive lineman Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei is also in street clothes after a court ruling appeared to (for the time being) deny him an extra season of eligibility.
Without Davis especially, transfers Kai McClendon, Darin Conley and DeSean Watts will likely be asked to contribute more beside true freshman starter Derek Colman-Brusa.
—Mike Vorel
11:14 am
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UW RB Quaid Carr sidelined in sling
Washington sophomore running back Quaid Carr was on the sideline more than an hour before the game in street clothes and wearing a sling with heavy bandaging on his left forearm.
Carr, who underwent hand surgery, will miss an extended period of time, but Fisch said Carr, who is from Southern California, has a chance to return to the Huskies near the end of the season.
—Andy Yamashita
10:32 am
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Huskies unveil $25 million TV studio for Big Ten Network
On Thursday, nearly three years after Sam Wojtalewicz’s arrival, UW took a major step to upgrade its broadcasting capacity by unveiling Sundodger Studios, a broadcast, production and content creation facility inside Alaska Airlines Arena.
The new space — which includes four broadcast control rooms, a 1,000-square-foot video and photography studio and a 2,300-square-foot event space — helps UW meet the Big Ten’s broadcast requirements while offering greater opportunities for students to learn about broadcast production.
—Andy Yamashita
10:29 am
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The Huskies need playmakers. Is Rashid Williams the answer?
If his performance in Sunday’s 24-10 season-opening win over Washington State is any indication, then Williams, a 6-foot-1 and 205-pound receiver from Brentwood, Calif., appears as if he’s finally ready to fill the huge vacancy created by Boston and become UW’s primary deep-threat receiver.
On a day when the offense sputtered at times, Williams gave the Huskies a much-needed spark when he hauled in a 44-yard reception on a flea-flicker pass from quarterback Demond Williams Jr.
The game’s longest play was highlighted by Rashid Williams breaking a tackle and appearing to score, but he stepped out at the 2-yard line. Two plays later, he hauled in a short pass and tumbled into the end zone for his second career touchdown and first TD at Husky Stadium.
—Percy Allen
10:27 am
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What to watch: Huskies host Utah State, looking for offensive rebound
Washington’s offensive line endured a game to forget during Sunday’s Apple Cup. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was pressured on 15 of his 40 dropbacks according to Pro Football Focus, and UW struggled to run the ball effectively against a WSU defense that didn’t return a single starter from 2025.
The Huskies have a chance to put some of the worries about their offensive line to rest against the Aggies. Utah State has a stout front seven, anchored by returning defensive tackles Carson Tujague and Tyree Morris, and held Idaho State to just 89 yards rushing. The Aggies totaled four tackles for a loss and two sacks against the Bengals.
However, Washington will expect to impose itself in the trenches against Utah State. The Huskies still won’t have starting center Landen Hatchett (wrist), but have significant experience in sophomore left guard John Mills and fifth-year right tackle Drew Azzopardi.
—Andy Yamashita
10:26 am
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How to watch UW vs. Utah State on TV
The Huskies' home game against Utah State will air on TV on Big Ten Network and can be heard on SportsRadio 93.3-FM KJR.
UW kicks off against the Aggies at 12:30 p.m.
—Chris Cole