The 2024 Washington Huskies’ patchwork offensive line struggled throughout the grueling Big 10 schedule. The struggles of the O-line affected the quarterback play with Will Rogers who didn’t have the ability to make tacklers with his legs. While Washington was overmatched against the top-tier D-lines in the conference, they showed flashes of competence specifically at Husky Stadium.
The outlook on the offensive line looks to be in a much better spot going into the 2025 season. This optimism comes from the transfer portal, development of returning players, and some talented newcomers.
Transfer Portal: The biggest addition to the offensive line was Kansas State Transfer Carver Willis. He came to Montlake after a great career with the Wildcats where he broke into the rotation in 2023. There he was named a Big-12 honorable mention, and was a runner up to the Joe Moore Award which was won by the Huskies. Willis started in 2024 as the right tackle and will be the starter on Demond Williams’ blind side.
This season sees a family reunion with Geirean Hatchett transferring back to Washington to finish his career with his brother, Landen, after leaving for Oklahoma. While with the Sooners, the elder Hatchett started at guard but injured his biceps and missed the remainder of the season.
Development: It is clear that the program is in a better spot then when Jedd Fisch took over. The linemen who were in the program have developed since being thrown into the fire due to injury and lack of production. Being in the program through an entire offseason and spring season have given time for the O-line to mature into a unit worthy of a top-half ranking in the conference.
Drew Azzopardi looks to have taken a step forward since transferring from San Diego State. 2024 was brutal for Azzopardi who often looked overmatched against Big 10 edge rushers. He especially was exploited by D-coordinators when left in one-on-one situations.
The true freshmen who were thrust into action last year looked like they needed another year in the weight room to compete with the massive D-lines they would see during the conference season. The prospect with the highest ceiling was Paki Finau who had the base to compete, but his upper half wasn’t ready for conference play. Fast forward a year and Finau is one who comes off the bus first. He has developed into a player you can write into the starting lineup in pen.
Prospects: In the 2025 recruiting cycle Washington brought in five O-line commits. Two are standing out in fall camp, enough the earn a shout out from Jedd Fisch during a press conference. John Mills and Champ Taulealea enrolled in January and competed in the spring season. both freshmen will have a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation and burn their redshirt.
Outlook: It is clear that the O-line will be the most improved unit on the offense. Washington has elite players at every other position group on offense. If the O-line takes a step forward this offense will be very hard to stop. The upgrades and development make this unit a top-half unit in the Big 10 conference.
Starters: LT: Carver Willis, 6-5, 291; LG: Paki Finau, 6-5, 310; C: Landen Hatchett, 6-2, 315; RG: Geirean Hatchett 6-4, 306; RT: Drew Azzopardi, 6-7, 315
Rotation: LT: Maximus McCree, 6-6, 295; LG: Champ Taulealea 6-5, 330; C: Zachary Henning, 6-5, 310; RG: John Mills 6-6, 320; RT: Soane Faasolo, 6-8, 325
Tune in to 4th and Inches, a Husky Podcast for the full offensive breakdown.
