When you think about a football team's foundation, special teams often don't get the spotlight—but they can make or break a season. For the Washington Huskies, the 2024 campaign was a mixed bag in this department. Under first-year head coach Jedd Fisch, the unit showed clear improvement from the year prior, but there's still plenty of room to grow. Let's break down what changed and what's on the horizon for the 2026 special teams squad.
The most welcome development? Stability. Kicker Grady Gross, who famously nailed a game-winning field goal against Oregon in 2023, finally shook off the inconsistency that plagued his junior year. After a rough four-game stretch where he missed seven field goals, Gross bounced back strong in his senior season. He finished his career with a solid 75% field goal conversion rate, including an impressive 14-of-18 from 40-49 yards, and never missed an extra point. His calm presence will be missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of clutch kicks and resilience.
Another bright spot was kickoff specialist Ethan Moczulski, who transferred in and immediately upgraded the coverage game. His ability to drive kicks deep into the end zone forced touchbacks on a much higher rate—only 19 returns were needed in 2025 compared to 37 the season before. That shift saved the defense from starting drives in dangerous field position. Moczulski has since moved on to Illinois, but his impact was undeniable.
Of course, not everything clicked. Punter Luke Dunne struggled with consistency, shanking more kicks than you'd expect from a Power 4 starter. The return game also lacked explosiveness, and with top returners Adam Mohammed, Jonah Coleman, and Denzel Boston all moving on, the Huskies will need fresh faces to step up.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff has already addressed the punting situation by recruiting through the transfer portal. Long snapper Ryan Kean returns for his third season, providing a reliable presence on every kick. And keep an eye on defensive back Dezmen Roebuck—he was the second-string punt returner last year and could be first in line for the starting job.
Special teams might not grab the headlines, but for a team looking to take the next step, getting this unit right is crucial. The pieces are in motion, and the Huskies are building a foundation that could turn a weakness into a weapon.