Even the celebrated football lineage couldn’t help a 21-year-old avoid injury. It became even more brutal for Washington Huskies safety Dyson McCutcheon, as it was a battle against a ticking clock. It has forced him into the transfer portal for a final shot at his own dream.

According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Huskies defensive back Dyson McCutcheon has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. The DB missed the 2025 season and is expected to receive a medical redshirt. Notably, he is the son of former NFL DB Daylon McCutcheon and has a last shot to make it in the NFL as a senior.

Against Colorado State, their 5’11” and 182 lb safety was looking for redemption. In particular, he wasn’t able to play in the season opener against Colorado State, which is where his grandfather, Lawrence McCutcheon, a legendary NFL running back primarily for the Los Angeles Rams, was a college standout.

The player’s dream of following his family’s footsteps in the NFL ended after a shoulder injury in practice, which cut his season short, as he missed the game. Now, with a medical redshirt and looking for a fresh start, he has entered the transfer portal. With redshirt status, he could continue his college career for the sixth year.

Still, transferring doesn’t make sense, since Jedd Fisch could have easily accommodated him in 2026, right? Not quite.

In his fifth season at Washington, Dyson found himself in an intense nickel battle with redshirt freshman Rahsawn Clark and Leroy Bryant. McCutcheon, though, was ahead in the battle, but the injury created complications. Leroy Bryant eventually started in the position, notching 13 tackles with Rahshawn Clark behind him. Now that the position is sealed and time running out, Dyson is looking for a place where his talents would be quickly put to use. This isn’t the first time Dyson McCutcheon has entered the transfer portal.

The free safety joined the Huskies in the 2021 season and didn’t see any action. Next season finally led to the player suiting up and playing five games. Later, in the 2023 season, the McCutcheon appeared in seven games and was pivotal in games against USC and Boise State. However, that’s when Kalen DeBoer departed for Alabama after leading the team to the national championship final. Dyson quickly decided to enter the transfer portal.

But instead of joining another team, the DB came back to Seattle and trusted Jedd Fisch’s competency. “I entered before I knew what staff was coming over. … I heard from some teams, but as I said, I didn’t know who the coach was going to be here. Once I knew who the coach was here, it was kind of a no-brainer,” said the player on his decision to come back. This time, though, coming back isn’t likely.

Although Dyson appeared in 12 games in 2024 out of 13, and had some great moments. Coming back in 2025 would be a career setback. Instead, the player will have the option to choose from a plethora of programs, even in the SEC or Big 10. Maybe his father’s alma mater, USC Trojans? It will also keep him in-state, closer to home. Moreover, his father’s legacy can play a huge role in Lincoln Riley finally employing the DB’s duties effectively.

Not the only news Washington received about the transfer portal

Before the portal opens on January 2nd, Washington is consistently getting updates on its players’ transfer plans. After the LA Bowl win over Boise State, 38-10, the HC confirmed the status of two of its players. Senior right offensive guard Geirean Hatchett has received a waiver to play a seventh college football season, and sophomore linebacker Deven Bryant is looking at entering the transfer portal.

“Geirean Hatchett got another year of eligibility, which is good,” Fisch said after the game. “On Senior Night, he gave me a hug and said I’m going to do this twice.”

Hatchett was the only offensive lineman who started all 13 games this season for the Huskies (9-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten), and he’ll give his team four returning starters for 2026. Surprisingly, Deven Bryant won’t be returning. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound linebacker had been an integral part of the team, starting 10 games this season. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound linebacker had been an integral part of the team, starting 10 games this season. But that was until the top players didn’t return.

Senior Jacob Manu and freshman Zaydrius Rainey-Sale were cleared from knee injuries and started the LA Bowl. Bryant missed the Bowl Game and refused to put the jersey on. With constant changes until the portal deadline, there could be more players switching allegiance for Fisch.