The Washington Huskies football team is gaining a former All-PAC-12 linebacker through the transfer portal. The Huskies recently concluded a challenging first season under new head coach Jedd Fisch, finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record and a 4-5 mark in their debut year in the Big Ten.
The Huskies’ disappointing 2024 season follows their appearance in the national title game against Michigan earlier this year. To be fair, Washington lost nearly its entire core roster during the offseason, and former head coach Kalen DeBoer departed to take the head coaching job at Alabama.
Although the program is clearly in a rebuilding phase, the addition of linebacker is a significant move forward. The former Arizona standout previously played under Jedd Fisch during his tenure as head coach in Tucson. As reported by On3’s National Recruiting/Transfer Portal Reporter Hayes Fawcett, Manu is heading to Seattle to reunite with Fisch.
Jacob Manu is exactly the kind of player Washington needs in the Big Ten
Jacob Manu, a junior from Santa Ana, California, has one year of eligibility remaining. Over his career, he has tallied 206 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one interception. In 2023, Manu earned First-Team All-PAC-12 honors during Jedd Fisch’s final season at Arizona. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Manu in 2024, limiting him to just seven games. Despite these setbacks, Manu is an excellent addition to Washington’s defensive lineup.
The Big Ten is more competitive than ever, bolstered by the addition of several PAC-12 programs during the offseason. The conference led the nation in College Football Playoff representation this year, with four teams earning spots without controversy. Washington is well-positioned to contend for future berths in the expanded twelve-team playoff, especially given their two previous appearances in the four-team format. However, to reclaim their place among college football’s elite, Jedd Fisch must establish a strong defensive identity within the program.
Last season, the Huskies relied on a historically dominant offense to offset a defense with significant shortcomings. While that approach proved effective, replicating such an exceptional offense in Seattle will be a tall order for Fisch and his staff. A more practical path forward would involve constructing a defense focused on controlling the line of scrimmage and excelling in open-field tackling—areas where Jacob Manu will make an immediate impact.
Washington football, a program with a rich history of highs and lows, is now aiming for stability under Fisch’s leadership. The Huskies have one final opportunity to close the season on a positive note with their Sun Bowl matchup against Louisville on New Year’s Eve. Adding Manu and securing a winning record would be an excellent way to cap Fisch’s inaugural season at the helm.
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