The Demond Williams Jr. drama will overshadow anything else that happens to the Huskies this offseason. However, even as that saga dominates the conversation, Jedd Fisch and his staff have continued to work the transfer portal aggressively. Over the past two days, Washington has landed commitments from two defensive linemen and a kicker, all arriving from Group of 5 programs, as the Huskies quietly address key roster needs.
DeSean Watts – Defensive Tackle, Sacramento State
Watts, who announced his commitment Tuesday night, brings a prototypical Big Ten build that could help immediately fortify Washington’s thinned defensive interior. Measuring 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, he has the bulk and strength to handle the league’s physical style of play. 247Sports lists Watts as a three-star transfer with an 85 grade.
A Fresno, California native, Watts began his college career at Fresno City Community College, where he redshirted in 2023. The following season, he emerged as a standout, earning first-team All-Valley League recognition after posting 21 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in 10 games. His performance earned him a move to Sacramento State for the 2025 campaign.
With the Hornets, Watts started 11 of 12 games and produced 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Now in Seattle, he should find a clear path to snaps over his final two seasons. Washington’s defensive line was hit hard by departures, losing four seniors to graduation while also seeing Bryce Butler and Caleb Smith enter the transfer portal, creating an opening for immediate contributors like Watts.
Darin Conley – Defensive Tackle, Ball State
Conley will join Watts in reshaping UW’s defensive tackle rotation. The 6-foot-3, 277-pound lineman from Kansas City spent his first three seasons at Ball State. After redshirting in 2023, he appeared in all 12 games in 2024, totaling 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and even blocking an extra-point attempt.
He took another step forward as a redshirt sophomore in 2025, playing 11 games and finishing with 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one pass breakup. Upon entering the portal, Conley received a three-star transfer rating and an 85 grade from 247Sports before committing to Washington on Wednesday.
Tyler Robles – Kicker, Texas State
Robles’ path to Montlake began at USC in 2023, where he converted one extra point and handled three kickoffs as a redshirt freshman. After seeing no game action in 2024, he transferred to Texas State and enjoyed a breakout 2025 season.
With the Bobcats, Robles connected on 21 of 23 field goals (91.3 percent) and 53 of 54 extra points (98.1 percent). His only misses came on a 54-yard attempt against Arizona State and a dramatic 42-yard try versus Troy that was wiped out by a late timeout before his second kick hit the upright. Despite that sequence, his consistency stood out.
With veteran kicker Grady Gross out of eligibility, Robles will compete with senior Ethan Moczulski for the starting role. As a junior in 2026, Robles also has the option to develop for a year behind Moczulski if needed.
