Just like that, the Oregon Ducks' regular-season finale is next up on the schedule. It comes against the bitter rival Washington Huskies, who enter with an 8-3 record and are looking to play spoiler and potentially knock the 10-1 Ducks out of the College Football Playoff.
This game will be far from a cakewalk, as the Huskies have a number of talented and accomplished players on both sides of the ball. Their offense is one of the best in the nation, ranking 19th in points per game. Their defense also comes in at 19th in the country in scoring defense, displaying a balanced team that is more than capable of pulling off an upset.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementComing off two of their sharpest weeks of the season offensively and with impressive resolve on the defensive side of the ball, Oregon will have to be on their game to take down Washington — especially considering that it will be played at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
Every game over the past month has been critical for the Ducks, but this one is the culmination of it all.
With that as a backdrop, here's five Huskies that Oregon fans should know ahead of the season-finale bout.
QB Demond Williams Jr.
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) sets to pass during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe unquestioned leader of the Washington offense as a true sophomore, Demond Williams Jr. is one of the top playmakers in the country from the quarterback position. He doesn't stand tall, at just 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, but he makes up for his with his speed and athleticism in and outside of the pocket. Williams is precise, accurate and makes good decisions with the football, as he's completing 72.0% of his passes this season and has thrown 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He's also not shy to take off when he sees grass, as evidenced by his 568 rush yards and six touchdowns, both of which are second on the team.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis isn't the same Demond Williams Jr. who was sacked ten times by the Ducks last season in his first career start — he has improved greatly since. Expect him to be present on dark horse Heisman Trophy lists as soon as next season.
RB Jonah Coleman
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn ImagesThough he's dealing with a knee issue that sidelined him against Purdue and last week against UCLA, standout running back Jonah Coleman is expected to play against the Ducks. He began his career at Arizona before following head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington, where he's reached new levels. Last season, he ran for over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns; this season, he's at 651 yards and 14 touchdowns, showing his propensity for finding the end zone. The 5-foot-9, 228-pounder is a downhill runner, bouncing off would-be tacklers. He's arguably the top running back that Oregon will have faced in the regular-season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWR Denzel Boston
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Colorado State Rams during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn ImagesDenzel Boston is Williams' go-to target on the outside, and a near-elite one at that. While he's not necessarily on the level of Indiana's Elijah Sarratt or USC's duo of Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, he isn't far behind. Thanks to his size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), phenomenal ball control and ability to high point the football, he's generated buzz of being an early round draft pick as soon as 2026. Thus far, he's caught 52 passes for 730 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games of action. Like Coleman, Boston has missed the past two games with an injury, but is expected to be back on the field against Oregon.
LB Xe'Ree Alexander
Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Andrew Marsh (4) is tackled by Washington Huskies linebacker Xe'Ree Alexander (10) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesStanding 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, Xe'Ree Alexander doesn't possess the typical size at the linebacker position but makes up for it by flying around the field and locating the football. The junior transferred to Washington from UCF and got off to a slow start before excelling in the past four games, averaging nine tackles per game. He's up to 60 tackles this season, second on the team. Washington will need him to continue his hot streak of taking down ball-carriers against the Ducks' excellent rushing attack.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementS Alex McLaughlin
Sep 20, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies safety Alex McLaughlin (12) celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars in the second half of Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington Huskies won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn ImagesA transfer from Northern Arizona, where he was named first-team All-Big Sky as a sophomore, Alex McLaughlin has been far and away the top defender for the Huskies. He leads them with 81 tackles, with 55 being tallied as solo. He's also revealed himself as a ballhawk from his safety position, totaling six passes defensed and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, McLaughlin has the frame to also contribute to the run defense, which will be needed against the Ducks.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Five Washington Huskies for Ducks fans to know before Week 14
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