Sun Aug 31 04:10:00 UTC 2025: Here are two versions: a summary and a news article based on the text.
**Summary:**
The Washington Huskies football team is entering the 2024 season with significant roster changes through the transfer portal, aiming to improve upon their disappointing 6-7 record from last year. Despite these additions, including key players on both the offensive and defensive lines, the team is being largely overlooked in preseason polls. Concerns remain about the team’s performance in the trenches, particularly on the offensive line, although the skill positions on offense are considered a strength, headlined by quarterback Demond Williams Jr., running back Jonah Coleman, and wide receiver Denzel Boston. The defense also sees changes, notably the hiring of defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. While some media members acknowledge the team’s potential, the overall sentiment is one of skepticism, leaving the Huskies looking to prove the doubters wrong and potentially surprise in the Big Ten.
**News Article:**
**Huskies Overlooked in Preseason Polls Despite Transfer Portal Overhaul**
Seattle, WA – Despite a significant influx of talent via the transfer portal, the Washington Huskies football team is being largely overlooked in preseason polls, raising questions about their potential in the upcoming 2024 season. The team received a meager 13 votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll and none in the AP poll, and was placed 10th in the Big Ten preseason media poll.
Head coach Jedd Fisch brought in players such as senior offensive lineman Carver Willis (Kansas State), senior cornerback Tacario Davis (Arizona), and senior wide receiver Omari Evans (Penn State), to bolster key positions. Despite this, questions linger about the team’s ability to compete in the trenches, particularly regarding the offensive line’s consistency.
“It’s a lot of new faces, but if the offensive line can protect Demond Williams Jr., this team has the potential to surprise some people,” said one college football analyst. Williams, the sophomore quarterback, is poised for a breakout season, supported by senior running back Jonah Coleman and senior wide receiver Denzel Boston.
Defensively, the Huskies hope new coordinator Ryan Walters, formerly the head coach at Purdue, can replicate his success at Illinois, where he led the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense. Transfers have also fortified the linebacker and secondary positions.
Despite the low preseason rankings, some media members, like Stewart Mandel of The Athletic, believe the Huskies are being underestimated. “People are definitely sleeping on Washington this year,” Mandel wrote.
The Huskies will look to defy expectations and prove the doubters wrong as they enter a challenging Big Ten conference schedule.