Titi Uiagalelei’s Surprise Fifth-Season Encore
Ta’ita’i “TiTi” Uiagalelei, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle who started 13 games at Arizona before transferring to Washington, has unexpectedly returned for a fifth college season under the new NCAA eligibility rule. After going undrafted despite participating in UW’s Pro Day, Uiagalelei reached back out to coach Jedd Fisch and was welcomed back into the rotation. Through five practices, he’s joined an already deep defensive line alongside veterans Elinneus Davis and Derek Colman-Brusa. Early drills have showcased Uiagalelei’s quick integration—he even drew snaps in 11-on-11 team play right after conditioning. Meanwhile, freshman tight end Sam Vyhidal wowed onlookers with a 65-yard touchdown catch in a 7-on-7 drill, and returning starter Dezmen Roebuck reminded everyone why he’s got a big ceiling with two high-wire end-zone receptions. As the Huskies work through a total of 14 fall practices before their Apple Cup opener, Fisch insists the best players—veteran or newcomer—will earn the field.
Welcome back, TiTi—because nothing says “competitive spirit” like handing a grown man an extra year of college football eligibility. Coach Fisch clearly enjoys playing NCAA rule bingo: “We just have an unbelievable defensive-line room,” he claims, which is NCAA-speak for “please, someone let us finally blitz.” Meanwhile, unsuspecting freshmen like Vyhidal are left sprinting into runaway sideline receptions—just to remind us all that Washington’s future stars are still figuring out which end of the ball they’re on. Expect TiTi to settle right back in like your college roommate who never moved out, only this time he’s bigger, badder, and has more practice jersey stains than anyone else.
Kolt Dieterich: The Huskies’ Lineman Swiss Army Knife
Kolt Dieterich, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound transfer from Sam Houston State, has seized the starting center role for Washington after injuries shuffled the spring lineup. Originally at offensive tackle for 18 starts, Dieterich filled in at guard before moving to center for the past two practices, showing enough athleticism and snap proficiency to make coaches envision him at any of the five offensive-line spots. Despite arriving with a shoulder injury that limited spring contact, Dieterich’s versatility has coaches brainstorming creative ways to maximize his playing time. With Landen Hatchett’s return looming, Dieterich is positioned as a multi-role backup or potential starter at guard, tackle, or center, ready to plug in wherever the Huskies’ line needs him.
Behold, the transfer-portal miracle child: Kolt “Jack-of-All-Freeway-Positions” Dieterich. In Montlake, where linemen are usually the size of steamrollers, Dieterich’s combo of nimble feet and moderate bulk has the coaching staff practically vibrating with excitement. Jedd Fisch reportedly woke up mid-dream, slapped his offensive-line coach awake, and proclaimed, “Get this guy snapping!” Now Dieterich is the Huskies’ human T-Mobile plan—flexible, multi-positioned, and just waiting for someone to use him. Unless his shoulder rebels, expect to see him sliding around the line like an underpaid Uber driver avoiding rush hour, filling in gaps and racking up snaps like it’s his part-time job.
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