New Huskies Get Their Digits: Jersey Numbers Set Ahead of Spring Ball
As the Jedd Fisch era kicks off at the University of Washington, the newest batch of Husky football players are officially suited up—at least on paper. With spring practices just two days away, jersey numbers have been assigned to 34 newcomers, giving fans their first glimpse at who’s wearing what in purple and gold.
Jersey numbers are more than just fabric—at UW, they’re a rite of passage, a signal that a player is now part of the Husky brotherhood. And unlike past seasons, not a single returning player has opted to switch digits, embracing their current identity as the team enters a new chapter.
Freshmen Standing Out
Three freshmen drew early attention for their number selections:
- DT Caleb Smith will sport No. 19, a low number for a defensive lineman.
- QB Dash Beierly grabs No. 9, the first quarterback to wear it since Michael Penix Jr..
- LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale chose No. 23, bucking the trend of single-digit linebackers.
Transfers & Position Swaps
- OT Carver Willis, formerly No. 77 at Kansas State, now wears No. 50.
- CB Tacario Davis, Arizona transfer, shifts from No. 1 to No. 8.
- WR Omari Evans, from Penn State, takes over No. 5, worn last season by Giles Jackson.
On the offensive line, Jack Shaffer (65), John Mills (72), and Champ Taulealea (73) bring mass to the trenches, each tipping the scales around 325–330 pounds, despite being introduced as 340+ pounders.
Returning Husky and former Sooner Geirean Hatchett is back in familiar territory, reclaiming No. 56.
New Faces on Defense
- LBs: Taariq Al-Uqdah (3), Jacob Manu (9), and Xe’ree Alexander (10) bring serious talent—and symbolic numbers.
- Safeties: CJ Christian (4) and Alex McLaughlin (12) will roam the secondary.
- Edge rusher Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei suits up in No. 11, while Jonathan Epperson Jr. (22) and D’Aryhian Clemons (28) add depth.
Offensive Skill Positions
- Freshman WRs Raiden Vines-Bright (7), Chris Lawson (8), and Marcus Harris (11) aim to carve out early roles.
- QBs Kini McMillan (10) and Tulane transfer Kai Horton (15) join the quarterback room.
- RB Julian McMahan claims No. 29 in the backfield.
Special Teams & Tight Ends
- Long snapper Ryan Keen and punter Dusty Zimmer will wear Nos. 22 and 38, respectively.
- TE Kade Eldridge, a USC transfer, becomes the fourth player since the 1950s to wear the previously retired No. 44—a number brought back in 2021 by Bookie Radley-Hiles.
- Freshman TE Austin Simmons will don No. 45.
In the Trenches
- DT Anterio Thompson (54), OL Jake Flores (78), and DT Dominic Macon (93) round out the new numbers among the linemen.
Still to Come
Nine more players will report in June and are yet to receive jersey numbers.
As Washington gears up for spring football, these new numbers signal more than roster additions—they represent a fresh start, a retooled identity, and the first official step into the Fisch-led future of Husky football.
For continued coverage of Washington football, visit SI.com/college/washington.
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