Washington's Defense Can Be The NATION'S BEST In 2026

The Washington Huskies’ defense can emerge as a national force for 2026. Can Ryan Walters’ retooled unit lead the Dawgs back to the top of the Big Ten? Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff details why Washington’s versatility, experience at linebacker, and disruptive defensive front could position the Huskies among college football’s elite. Jacob Manu, Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, and Xe'Ree Alexander anchor a dynamic linebacker corps, while the secondary, led by Alex McLaughlin and Freshman All-American Rylon Dillard-Allen, looks poised to lock down the opposition.

Key topics include preseason polls from ESPN and On3, the rise of true freshmen like Jeron Jones and Elijah Durr, and the impact that high-upside recruits like 5-star edge rusher Jalanie George and Tahj Gray could have in the 2028 class. Tomashoff breaks down the pressure facing Demond Williams Jr. at quarterback, the Huskies’ path to a top 10 ranking and potential College Football Playoff berth, and how the team’s pass rush can tip the scales in marquee conference matchups against USC, Indiana, and Oregon. 

Is this defense good enough to fuel a playoff push?

00:00 Intro

01:18 The impact and versatility of Ryan Walters' creativity on defense

05:53 Secondary strengths and incoming freshmen

07:43 Defensive line analysis and key players

11:19 Preseason rankings, schedule implications 

15:30 Pass rush importance in 2026

19:45 Can Demond Williams Jr. step up in big games?

23:05 Jalanie George is Washington's top target in 2028

27:30 Other notes, class composition for the 2028 class

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