The Washington Huskies’ success in 2025 will largely depend on quarterback Demond Williams Jr.’s development and playmaking skills, along with the progress of the offensive line.
The Washington Huskies’ success in 2025 will also hinge on the recovery of several key players who missed part or all of last season due to injuries.
Head coach Jedd Fisch recently met with reporters to provide an update on the program’s status as they move through the 2025 calendar. His assessment included insights on injured players—some expected to return this spring, others aiming for summer practice, and one who may need more time to recover.
Here are seven key players whose injury statuses will be important to watch.
EDGE Zach Durfee
Durfee’s breakout came in 2022 with 11 sacks at Division II Sioux Falls, putting him on the radar. He notched the first 2.5 sacks of his FBS career in a game against Eastern Michigan last season, but that same game saw him suffer a left big toe injury. Just three weeks later, he injured his right big toe during a matchup with Rutgers. Although he managed to play in six games, his performance was clearly affected by these injuries. When healthy, coaches view Durfee as potentially the team’s top pass rusher, frequently praising his athleticism and weight-room accomplishments. However, his sole focus this year is to recover fully and stay on the field. As he continues to heal from surgery, he’ll be limited during spring practices.
DL Jayvon Parker
Just as Parker was emerging as potentially UW’s top defensive lineman, he suffered a torn Achilles in the Huskies’ loss to Rutgers. Head coach Jedd Fisch is optimistic that Parker, now a fourth-year junior, will be cleared by August 1 for the start of training camp. While the Huskies bolstered their defensive line with transfer additions Simote Pepa from Utah and Anterio Thompson from Western Michigan, a strong comeback from Parker would be crucial in strengthening their run defense. The same holds true for his twin brother, Armon, who is also recovering from a season-ending injury and has yet to make his college debut.
TE Quentin Moore
Moore was poised for a breakout season last year, entering the offseason as the clear No. 1 tight end in Fisch’s offense, which planned to utilize him as both a pass-catcher and blocker. However, just 22 snaps into his sixth-year senior season, Moore caught a 14-yard pass before taking a hard hit to his left knee from a Weber State player who had illegally entered the game from the sideline. Initially, Fisch suggested Moore might only miss a few weeks, but the sprained MCL ultimately sidelined him for the entire season. While Moore likely could have secured a medical waiver, the NCAA’s one-time waiver for former JUCO players guaranteed he’d be eligible for another college season. Although the Huskies have added more depth at tight end, Moore is still expected to be a key contributor to UW’s offense. Tight ends coach Jordan Paopao indicated that Moore should be available for spring practices.
OL Geirean Hatchett
After transferring from Washington to Oklahoma, Hatchett secured a starting spot on the Sooners’ offensive line but suffered a biceps injury in the 2024 season opener, leading to season-ending surgery the following week. Head coach Jedd Fisch expressed optimism that Hatchett will be able to participate in spring practices, though the extent of his involvement remains uncertain. Once fully healthy, the sixth-year senior will be a strong candidate for a starting guard position, while his younger brother, Landen, is set to take over as the starting center. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Geirean appeared in 16 games for UW from 2022–23, making four starts.
EDGE Russell Davis II
Davis missed most of the 2024 season due to injury but made a strong impact upon his return, recording three sacks, along with a forced and recovered fumble, in UW’s bowl-eligibility-clinching win over UCLA. Unfortunately, a practice injury the following week cut his season short again. In early December, head coach Jedd Fisch stated that Davis, an Arizona transfer, would be sidelined for “about three months,” putting him on track to potentially return for spring practices. While UCLA’s offensive line wasn’t the strongest last season, Davis’ three-sack performance stood out as the most impressive effort by a UW pass rusher all year.
WR Kevin Green Jr.
Although senior Giles Jackson was a locked-in starter in the slot for UW last season, Arizona transfer Green appeared poised for a contributing role based on his impressive training camp performances. However, a lower-leg injury suffered during UW’s final scrimmage sidelined him for the entire season. If healthy, Green will have a strong opportunity to compete for a starting spot this year. Receivers coach Kevin Cummings, who recruited Green out of Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany, views him as a leader in the receiver room alongside returning star Denzel Boston. Now a fourth-year junior, Green doesn’t have extensive college experience—he played in 11 games for Arizona in 2023, recording eight catches for 97 yards—but he still stands out as a veteran presence in an otherwise young receiving corps.
LB Jacob Manu
While Manu’s recovery timeline might not be a major concern given the Huskies’ addition of two veteran linebackers through the transfer portal, he could still become a key contributor down the line. A first-team All-Pac-12 selection at Arizona in 2023, Manu tore his ACL in October before transferring to UW. He’s optimistic about returning by the middle of training camp, though that would make it challenging to be ready for the season opener. Manu has a redshirt year available, which could allow him to play in up to four games while preserving a year of eligibility. His contributions could be valuable for a linebacker group undergoing significant changes, with the departure of three seniors, a freshman transfer, and former position coach Robert Bala.