Washington’s transfer portal cycle has been an unusual one. The Huskies have not seen a large wave of elite contributors depart, but they also have not added many clear-cut impact players from outside the program. That balance makes it difficult to project how the roster will ultimately look once the season arrives, and it leaves plenty of questions about how everything will come together on the field. What does stand out is Jedd Fisch’s continued emphasis on high school recruiting and keeping his current core intact, signaling a long-term approach rather than a quick fix.
When it comes to the departures that sting the most, opinions can vary. Some fans may struggle most with longtime contributors like the Parker twins, who spent five years in Seattle and never suited up anywhere else. Still, the most painful scenario is often watching former Huskies flourish after leaving. Those types of breakouts tend to linger, and the following three players best represent that concern.
3. Adam Mohammed
The move carried an unexpected sting because it immediately raised the question of why it happened at all. He was widely expected to slide into the starting role with Jonah Coleman gone and was viewed as one of the most dynamic and effective running backs on the roster. Everything seemed lined up for him to enjoy a breakout season in a Husky uniform. Instead, he chose to transfer to Cal, a decision that felt surprising and difficult to understand given the opportunity he appeared to have in front of him.
2. Raiden Vines-Bright
He put together an impressive true freshman season and appeared to be on track to step into the WR1 role following Denzel Boston’s departure. Instead, he chose to move on, a decision that could still set him up for a highly productive college career. The talent and upside are clearly there, and his development suggests he has the tools to become a featured playmaker at his new stop. He is now headed to Arizona State, where he’ll look to carve out a major role in the offense. Even so, it will take some getting used to seeing him suit up in that yellow after what he showed early in his career.
1. Leroy Bryant
The move is understandable, given that he never fully established himself as a regular starter at Washington. Over three seasons on the Huskies’ roster, he largely served as a rotational contributor, earning just six starts during that span. A transfer to Stanford may offer a clearer path to consistent playing time and the chance to lock down a starting role. Even so, he long felt like a fixture in purple and gold, making the transition to wearing Cardinal colors a notable change. Now representing the Tree, he steps into a fresh environment with new expectations. Watching how he adapts and performs in his new setting should be one of the more intriguing storylines moving forward.
