Washington enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a reloaded roster that is eager to assert dominance in the newly reshaped college football landscape under the guidance of second-year head coach Jedd Fisch. After a 10-win campaign in 2024 that saw the Huskies reach the Pac-12 title game and fall just short of a College Football Playoff berth, Washington now sets its sights on a strong start against Colorado State, a game that should showcase the team’s depth, speed, and emerging stars on both sides of the ball. The quarterback position remains in excellent hands with sophomore Austin Mack, who showed flashes of brilliance last year in relief duty and earned the starting role thanks to his athleticism, deep-ball accuracy, and command of the offense. Mack will have no shortage of weapons at his disposal, with a receiving corps led by the explosive Ja’Lynn Polk and Germie Bernard, both of whom are capable of stretching defenses vertically while also turning short passes into big gains. The offensive line, bolstered by returning veterans and standout transfers, gives Mack a sturdy pocket and enables Washington’s run game, which features bruising back Tybo Rogers and the speedy Daniyel Ngata, to operate with balance and versatility. Defensively, the Huskies have undergone some transition with key departures to the NFL, but their front seven remains fierce, anchored by All-American candidate Zion Tupuola-Fetui and a linebacking corps that flies to the ball.

The secondary is young but extremely talented, headlined by sophomore corner Jabbar Muhammad, whose physicality and instincts could make him one of the top breakout defenders in the country. Last season, Washington went 7-6-1 against the spread and was particularly effective at home, where their crowd noise, tempo, and offensive variety overwhelmed visiting teams. They have traditionally excelled in season openers under new coaching regimes and will look to continue that trend against a Colorado State team that’s well-coached but outmatched in terms of athleticism. One key storyline will be how Washington’s new defensive pieces communicate and gel early, especially against a disciplined Rams offense that will try to slow the game down and capitalize on any over-aggression. Expect Fisch’s offense to push tempo early, create mismatches with motion and spread formations, and test Colorado State’s corners down the field while also wearing down the Rams with zone-read plays and perimeter runs. On special teams, the Huskies boast one of the nation’s most dangerous return units and a reliable kicker in Grady Gross, giving them an edge in field position and game management. While the scoreboard may not fully reflect the gap in talent due to Colorado State’s ability to muddy games with physicality and ball control, Washington’s depth, coaching creativity, and offensive firepower should allow them to pull away comfortably in the second half. This opener is less about the margin of victory and more about rhythm, cohesion, and staying healthy, and if Washington handles its business cleanly, it will send a strong early message that the Huskies remain a force to be reckoned with nationally in 2025.