Washington head coach Jedd Fisch addressed the media Wednesday for his first offseason press conference, and his comments included a pointed critique of the transfer portal. Over the last two weeks, 19 former Huskies have exited the program, while Fisch has added just nine newcomers in response.
Rather than chase volume in the portal, Fisch made it clear that his philosophy differs from many around the sport.
“I do not and will not subscribe to trying to build a football team through free agency,” Fisch said. “Some people can do that. Good for them. That is not us. We are going to bring in players, develop them, and see how good they can get.”
Fisch expressed confidence in several returning starters, particularly at safety, linebacker, and along the offensive line. At the same time, he acknowledged that Washington needed to address depth and talent at cornerback and on the defensive line, which the staff has already begun to do. Still, one glaring hole remains unresolved as the offseason continues.
Washington to host former Elon receiver Isaiah Fuhrmann for a visit
Wide receiver has emerged as Washington’s most pressing concern. The Huskies lost Denzel Boston to the NFL Draft and saw three young receivers depart through the transfer portal, leaving the position dangerously thin.
“Obviously we’re staying very active looking at the receiver position, and continuing to work there,” Fisch said on Wednesday.
That search has led Washington to former Elon wide receiver Isaiah Fuhrmann, who has scheduled an upcoming visit to Montlake. The 6 foot 4, 192 pound rising junior spent the past two seasons at Elon and broke out in 2025. As a sophomore, Fuhrmann recorded 46 receptions for 906 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Phoenix in every major receiving category. His season included a 96 yard game winning touchdown against Campbell that highlighted his big play ability.
While Fuhrmann has not consistently faced top level competition, his size and downfield skill set have drawn strong interest from analysts. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 24 available wide receiver in the portal, while On3 places him among only four receivers with a transfer grade of 88 or higher.
Film supports that evaluation. Fuhrmann shows the physical tools Washington covets, including the ability to win deep and finish through contact. A 76 yard touchdown against North Carolina A and T, secured despite double coverage, illustrates why the Huskies see him as a potential replacement for Boston as their primary vertical threat. He also flashed elite ball skills on a nine yard touchdown versus Rhode Island, extending through tight two man coverage to make the grab.
Fuhrmann’s recruitment, however, remains far from settled. He is set to visit Georgia Tech before heading to Washington, and On3’s Rivals currently views the race as essentially even between the two programs.
For Fisch, landing Fuhrmann could be pivotal. With quarterback Demond Williams Jr. entering his junior season and depth behind rising sophomore Dezmen Roebuck extremely limited, Washington badly needs an impact transfer at receiver. Until that happens, the offense remains incomplete.
Washington has already missed on several receivers in the transfer portal
Fuhrmann is not the first high profile receiver Fisch has targeted this offseason. Washington previously pursued Syracuse’s Darrell Gill Jr. and Florida transfer Naeshaun Montgomery, but both ultimately chose other destinations.
Gill Jr., valued for his size and ability to stretch the field, committed to Ole Miss on Thursday. Montgomery, who redshirted at Florida in 2025 and had previous ties to Washington as a recruit, visited again after entering the portal but committed to Missouri on Jan. 10.
The Huskies are also monitoring Oklahoma transfer Zion Kearney. According to 247Sports reporter Chris Hummer, Kearney is attempting to line up visits with Washington and two other schools. Even so, Rivals currently projects Baylor and Iowa State as the primary contenders.
With viable options shrinking, the urgency is clear. If Washington wants to stabilize its receiver room and maximize its offensive potential, Fisch and his staff may need to make an aggressive push to bring Isaiah Fuhrmann to Seattle.