Washington Huskies’ grades for Big Ten loss to USC

03 Oct 2026, 21:17 by Percy Allen · The Seattle Times

A handful of trick plays worked for a while and helped the Huskies build a two-score lead early in the third quarter.

However, Washington surrendered 15 straight points due to offensive and defensive miscues and lost 25-21 against No. 18 USC on a balmy night in Los Angeles at Memorial Coliseum.

Saturday’s much-anticipated matchup was billed as an elimination game and the defeat unofficially knocks Washington (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) out of the College Football Playoff race.

Meanwhile, the Trojans (5-1, 2-1) snapped a three-game losing streak to the Huskies.

Offense

Down four points with 5:16 left, third-year quarterback Demond Williams Jr. got the ball at the UW 5 and had a chance to win the game.

He converted two fourth-down attempts, which included a beautiful 43-yard connection with receiver Chris Lawson and a 5-yard toss to wideout Dezmen Roebuck to the USC 18.

Finally, on fourth-and-10, Williams threw into double coverage while attempting to connect with Roebuck in the corner of the end zone. However, his pass sailed long and landed out of bounds.

Williams had 198 yards on 15-of-26 passing. He was sacked four times and lost a fumble that Trojans defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart recovered for the go-ahead touchdown.

First-year running back Brian Bonner tallied 89 yards rushing yards and 19 carries — both career highs.

However, the short-handed Huskies finished with just 117 rushing yards and they’re one of three Power 4 teams without 154 yards rushing in a game this season.

Washington played well enough to win, but an atrocious 1-for-12 on third-down conversions was too much to overcome.

Grade: C-

Defense

The Huskies held USC to 19 points, which is a stellar performance considering the Trojans were averaging 39.8 points per game.

Washington was healthy again in the secondary, but USC quarterback Jayden Maiava finished with 245 yards on 21-of-34 passing including a touchdown and an interception.

Cornerback Dylan Robinson played well early, but was beaten on a 10-yard touchdown reception midway in the third quarter despite tight coverage that proved to be costly.

Nickel Rashawn Clark had a game-high-tying nine tackles.

Grade: B-

Special teams

Fifth-year punter Hunter Green is the player of the game — if not the season.

Early in the first quarter, Green sent a towering 63-yard punt to the USC goal line that was muffed by returner Terrell Anderson.

Robinson appeared to outwrestle three Trojans and strip the ball away from safety Trestin Castro for a recovery. However, an official review gave the ball to the Trojans at the USC 1.

Late in the third quarter, Green dropped a 47-yard punt near the goal line again and fourth-year safety Alex McLaughlin downed it at the USC 1.

Green averaged 51.7 yards per punt on six attempts.

Grade: A

Coaching

Coach Jedd Fisch emptied the playbook.

Roebuck tossed a 5-yard pass to tight end Baron Naone in the back of the end zone for the first touchdown and tight end Kade Eldridge took a direct snap for a 1-yard touchdown TD plunge.

The Huskies also used a double pass and flea-flicker pass to keep the Trojans off balance.

Also, give Fisch credit for reconfiguring the offensive line.

In the first half, Washington replaced touted first-year left tackle Kodi Greene with second-year left guard John Mills, which forced seventh-year right guard Geirean Hatchett to move to left guard.

Meanwhile, second-year veteran Champ Taulealea took most of the snaps at right guard.