One of the SEC’s top all-time statistical performers will be the starting quarterback for the Washington Huskies in their season opener against Weber State this Saturday. Fifth-year senior Will Rogers has been named the starter by new Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, surpassing highly-touted 2024 recruit Demond Williams Jr., as reported by Jordan Schultz on Monday. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Rogers began his collegiate career at Mississippi State, where he was the starting quarterback under the late Mike Leach from 2020 to 2022.
After Leach’s passing, MSU promoted Zach Arnett to head coach, and Rogers had to adapt to a pro-style offense after thriving in Leach’s air-raid system. Rogers ranks second in SEC career passing yards with 12,315, trailing only Georgia’s Aaron Murray who has 13,166. The 2023 season was tough for Rogers and the Mississippi State offense. Arnett was fired in November, and Rogers, who was recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for four games, entered the transfer portal shortly after. Rogers committed to Washington and head coach Kalen DeBoer on December 15, just as the Huskies were gearing up for the College Football Playoff.
He was on the sidelines when the Huskies defeated Texas to advance to the national championship game, which they lost to Michigan. Following that game, a significant change nearly ended Rogers’ time in Seattle, as DeBoer left for Alabama on January 12, and Rogers re-entered the transfer portal that same day. However, the Huskies quickly hired Fisch from Arizona, who persuaded Rogers to stay.
Rogers withdrew from the portal on January 24 and participated in both spring and fall camps. With a new coaching staff and many roster changes, along with the challenging move to the Big Ten, Rogers’ experience will be crucial for Washington. The game against Weber State kicks off on August 31 at 11 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
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