After the 2024 season, the Huskies knew they needed to add depth to their linebacker room. The Huskies saw linebackers Alphonzo Tuputala and Carson Bruener graduate this past year. They also lost LB Khmori House to the transfer portal. Through recruiting and the transfer portal, UW found several linebackers to fill their inside and outside linebacker positions. The Huskies will have four new linebackers competing for positions and showcasing their skills at the Spring Game.
Huskies top in-state recruit LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale
By landing the state’s top recruit in 2025 LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, coach Fisch found a new linebacker to lead the Huskies’ defense. The heir apparent to the linebacker throne starred at Bethel High School in Spanaway, Washington. What stands out about Rainey-Sale is his versatility, which provides him the opportunity to play both inside and outside linebacker. He is also an effective pass rusher, who can plug running lanes, and tackle running backs with authority. While Rainey-Sale has missed most of spring rehabbing an ACL injury, there is a chance he will play in the Spring Game.
LB Jonathan Epperson Jr. will make Husky debut
Before coming to UW, Jonathan Epperson Jr. played football locally at Auburn High School. Coming out of high school Epperson Jr. was the third-best recruit from the state of Washington. He had scholarship offers to play football at USC, Oregon, and Utah, before deciding to accept his offer from UW. Epperson Jr. has the frame and range to play multiple positions on defense, with ability to play safety as well as linebacker. When he takes the field for the first time as a Husky in the Spring Game, he will show how much he is capable of.
Former WSU LB Taariq Al-Uqduh gets chance with UW
Prior to signing with WSU, LB Taariq “Buddah” Al-Uqduh and the Huskies had mutual interest in him coming to UW. After two years at Washington State, Al-Uqduh entered the transfer portal and signed with Washington. In his two seasons with the Cougars, Al-Uqduh had 73 solo tackles, 4 INTs, and 7 TFLs. He has taken most of the reps at linebacker with other LB transfer Jacob Manu and freshman LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale recovering from injuries. Al-Uqduh is expected to make an instant impact on the Huskies’ defense in 2025.
Huskies bring in LB Xe’ree Alexander from transfer portal
Clearly, the Huskies are looking to add linebackers who can make an instant impact. Having signed three linebackers Jacob Manu, Taariq Al-Uqduh, and Xe’ree Alexander through the transfer portal. Prior to college ball, Alexander played locally at Kennedy Catholic high school. Before signing with UW out of the transfer portal, Xe’ree Alexander had stops at ASU, Hawaii, Idaho and UCF. During his 2024 season at UCF, Alexander had 28 solo tackles, 6 TFLs, and 2 PBUs. Now Alexander has a chance to fight for linebacker position and showcase his coverage skills at the Spring Game.
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