The Washington Huskies are focusing on strengthening their defensive line ahead of the 2026 season, following the loss of key players to graduation and transfers. True freshman Derek Colman-Brusa, a 6-foot-6, 295-pound standout from Kennedy Catholic High School, has quickly adapted to the college level, impressing defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi with his size and skills. Colman-Brusa has been consistently practicing with the first team, demonstrating a strong work ethic and good fundamentals. His teammate, junior Elinneus Davis, has taken on a mentorship role, helping Colman-Brusa navigate the transition to college football. The coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, is exploring various player combinations to enhance the unit's performance, aiming to improve on last season's 24 sacks, which ranked 12th in the Big Ten. The Huskies are also looking to integrate new talent from the transfer portal and additional recruits to strengthen their defensive line for the upcoming season.