Less than 48 hours after Washington lost in the College Football Playoff National Championship to Michigan, it was open season on its roster. The primary targets were obvious: the Huskies’ Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, regarded as the best in college football.
Essentially, every scholarship offensive lineman on the team was contacted through intermediaries. It only became more complicated when it was clear that coach Kalen DeBoer was in line to take over for Nick Saban at Alabama.
Out of the 10 offensive linemen listed on Washington’s depth chart in the title game, eight were sophomores or younger. These days, two remain on the roster. Tackles Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten declared for the draft. Center Parker Brailsford followed DeBoer and offensive line coach Scott Huff to Alabama. Guards Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo transferred to Ole Miss. Tackle Jalen Klemm remained for a year but left for Arizona State after the 2024 season.
Last season, new Washington coach Jedd Fisch trotted out three transfers (out of five spots) to start along the offensive line. The new-look Huskies fell from No. 17 to 127 in pass blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus. The team went 6-7. In the first seven years of the CFP, the national runner-up won at least 11 games five times the next year. Since Name, Image, Likeness laws became part of the game in 2021, two of three finalists finished with losing records the next year.
Welcome to the new world of college football. Transfers transfers and pay-for-play under the guise of NIL have created a chaotic marketplace that has hit the heart of the team harder than anywhere.
At its core, the offensive line is the heart of football. It requires the most clear and coordinated action from the…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/the-offensive-line-crisis-in-college-football-whats-behind-the-decline/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2025-05-28 11:01:00
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