There are several teams that no one is talking about reaching the 2025 season, which can truly derail the plans for some of the expected ones. Oklahoma, for instance, might carry the fact that they have probably the toughest schedule in the country. But if John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle click? Even teams like Texas would have a hard time stopping them. However, like Oklahoma, there’s another dark horse contender that can go big after regressing in the 2024 season.

It was always hard to imagine a team finishing with 6 wins after going all the way to the national championship final the prior season. But it was inevitable after the Washington Huskies lost 20 starters, including stars like Michael Penix Jr and Troy Fautanu. Kalen DeBoer’s exit was then the final blow that Washington needed. So, Jedd Fisch, the new head coach, was handed over a rebuilding job of a team, which had just 3 losing seasons since 2008. The result?

It was chaotic, filled with more downs than ups, and the highlight was probably their revenge over Michigan for the natty loss. Yet, the development of Demond Williams Jr. and Denzel Boston was massive, a feat that will probably help them massively as both return for a 2025 showdown. So, on the back of these developments and a secondary propelled by incoming transfers, Greg McElroy touts Washington as the ultimate dark horse.

“The reason why I’m so optimistic about Washington this year, though, is Demond Williams. I think Williams has a chance. He served a little bit of time last year when he was playing behind Will Rogers. Takes over the second half of the UCLA win. Doesn’t do so well against Oregon. But you look at the bowl game, and he showed you exactly what he might be able to accomplish. I think he has a chance to be a superstar in college football. And if he reaches his potential, then look out, this Washington team could become a real problem,” declared Greg McElroy in his ESPN College Football podcast.

Demond Williams was deployed behind Jonah Coleman in the 2024 season. However, when losses piled up against teams like Rutgers, Washington State, Iowa, and Indiana, Jedd Fisch chose to bench the QB and instead experimented with Williams against Penn State, Oregon, and Louisville. Of course, the season wasn’t much salvaged, but the QB gained crucial snaps, passing for 944 and rushing for 282 yards at a stellar 78.21% accuracy. It’s no surprise, then, that McElroy touts Demond Williams Jr. as the X factor for the Huskies’ success in 2025. But that’s not the only reason.

Another analyst declares caution for teams treading against Washington

Jedd Fisch has brought some of the most exciting pieces to his secondary, along with some very talented freshman players. These include Taitai Uiagalelei from Arizona as a talented defensive end, Anterio Thompson from Western Michigan at the tackle position, and Taariq Al-Uqdah joins from Washington State after a 51-tackle season. All these additions, among others, make things optimistic for the Huskies, and that’s exactly what NFL star George Wrighster is echoing, too.

“In terms of experience and the defensive line, they do have some experience. But it lacks in production. But if those units do overperform, you’re going to have to look out for the Huskies to potentially take that last Big 10 spot in the College Football Playoff,” said George in his CFB Show.

The Huskies will face Ohio State in Week 4, a game where the Buckeyes must remain cautious. Then they will go on playing Michigan on the road, and Illinois, both of these teams have playoff aspirations in 2025. Lastly, for Oregon, as the Ducks face the Huskies in their last game would be pivotal. Since this will be a game where playoff aspirations and even Big 10 championships may be decided. All in all, the Huskies might not have enough in their tank to make a playoff run, but they are certainly a team that teams should be cautious of.