The Washington Huskies had a season to remember. Even though they came up short in the national championship, going undefeated until then and beating rival Oregon twice feels good. Next year might be very different. After head coach Kalen DeBoer left to coach Alabama, many players have also decided to leave. Offensive lineman Landen Hatchett announced he is entering the transfer portal.
Washington offensive lineman Landen Hatchett has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
The former four-star recruit played in nine games this season as a true freshman. Earned the program's Most Outstanding Freshman award.https://t.co/KrwhlP3346 pic.twitter.com/XYIc2jBMTb
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 18, 2024
Washington Huskies Lose OL Landen Hatchett
Hatchett was a true freshman this year but did not play like one. The former four-star prospect appeared in nine games this season and won a lot of team awards. At the team’s postseason banquet, he received the Travis Spring Most Outstanding Freshman. This was in addition to winning the Joe Moore Award. The program was hoping Hatchett would become a three-year starter on their line. Now, he will be looking for a new program. He should get plenty of looks, as the offensive line is always a need for teams.
Mass Exodus Continues
It isn’t surprising to see players leave. Alabama is having similar issues with the transfer portal amid Nick Saban’s retirement. Nearly two dozen Huskies have decided to enter the transfer portal. New head coach Jedd Fisch has his work cut out for him, especially as the program moves to the Big Ten in the fall. We shouldn’t be surprised this happens, and yet it doesn’t make it hurt any less for a program. It will be interesting to see how the Huskies recover after such a great season.
The Washington Huskies may struggle in their first season in the Big Ten. However, once Fisch gets settled, more players may begin coming to the program.