Washington football's pass rush generating pressure at a high rate

Even after the Washington Huskies lost a pair of defensive linemen to the 2026 NFL draft and saw nine total players from last year’s roster depart from the front, Jedd Fisch’s coaching staff has exuded plenty of confidence in its pass rush. Through two games, it feels well warranted.

According to TruMedia, the Huskies have generated pressure on 40 percent of opposing dropbacks over the first two weeks of the season. Granted, that has been against inferior opponents in Washington State and Utah State; defensive coordinator Ryan Walters’ front has been extremely disruptive, with 16 tackles for loss and 6 sacks on the young season.

With freshmen Derek Colman-Brusa and Ramzak Fruean playing key roles up front, Fisch has been pleased with what he’s seen from his pass rush so far.

Pressure Created vs. Pressure Allowed

Top left = good at both. Bottom right = bad at both. pic.twitter.com/734308MWUh

— Cody Nagel (@CodyNagel247) September 14, 2026

“The pass rush has gotten very good, which is something we can absolutely build upon with our defensive front,” Fisch said during the Husky Football Coaches Show on Monday. “We played the whole game without (starting defensive tackle) Elinneus (Davis); Derek Brusa only played 18 plays, and they were all extremely impactful. Kai McClendon is getting healthier, and now he’s coming back. He played 16 plays this week, and I think he’ll be able to play 20-25 this coming week.

“Jacob Lane, Isaiah Ward coming back from missing all of training camp; you can feel him on the field. Ramzak Fruean, what he does on the field is incredible. (Russell) Davis, missing all of last year, makes a big impact in the pass rush. I think we can build off of that.”

While continuing to generate pressure on two of every five dropbacks in the Big Ten is a tall task, Washington has shown it has the necessary rotation of bodies along the defensive line to keep pass rushers fresh and generate havoc, which has been integral in keeping the Huskies afloat early as the offense has struggled.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington football’s pass rush generating pressure at a high rate