Huskies' O-Line Shuffle Could Signal Big Ten Strategy Shift
The University of Washington football team is 3-0, but the Huskies' offensive line is still searching for its best combination as Big Ten play begins. A subtle lineup change in the second quarter against Eastern Washington may have revealed the coaching staff's plan for the conference gauntlet ahead, including a matchup with No. 17 Iowa.
For five plays, sophomore John Mills took over at left tackle, a position held by true freshman Kodi Greene. Coach Jedd Fisch said the move was about managing Greene's workload, but observers see it as a sign that the Huskies will lean on their most experienced blockers when the schedule stiffens.
What happened against Eastern Washington?
Mills, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound sophomore, shifted from his usual spots at left guard and right tackle to left tackle for a brief stretch. Greene, who has started all three games as a true freshman, was seen on the sideline without his helmet.
Fisch explained the reasoning plainly:
“I think it's a lot for Kodi to take almost every single snap. It was a chance to move guys around and I think it worked well.”
A former Husky offensive lineman, a 24-game starter, offered a different read: the staff recognizes Mills as the team's best blocker and wants him at the most demanding position, especially with injured center Landen Hatchett expected to return soon.
Why does this matter for Iowa fans?
The Huskies open conference play against Minnesota on Saturday, followed by No. 12 USC and then No. 17 Iowa. The Hawkeyes, known for their physical front seven, will face a Washington line that has yet to establish a consistent rushing attack.
The Huskies have gained just 134, 107, and 184 net rushing yards in their three wins, numbers that include quarterback scrambles. Against Iowa's defense, that could be a problem.
What could the starting five look like?
Based on coach comments and in-game moves, a potential starting lineup for conference play would feature five players with a combined 103 college starts:
- John Mills (left tackle): The sophomore has 14 starts and is a Freshman All-American. He has played three positions already this season.
- Kolt Dieterich (left guard): The Sam Houston State transfer has 21 starts and has been learning center on the fly. He could slide to guard when Hatchett returns.
- Landen Hatchett (center): The team captain has 15 starts but has been out since November with a broken wrist. He is expected back around the Minnesota game.
- Geirean Hatchett (right guard): The seventh-year veteran has 20 starts and is considered the strongest of the group. He has played for two schools and has torn both biceps.
- Drew Azzopardi (right tackle): The San Diego State transfer has 33 career starts and is a team captain. He has NFL potential at 6-foot-7, 325 pounds.
Can the Huskies run the ball when it matters?
Washington's inability to establish the run is the biggest concern entering Big Ten play. The coaching staff continues to experiment with combinations, but the schedule offers little time for trial and error.
If Landen Hatchett returns as expected, the line gains its most experienced leader. The question is whether the pieces can come together quickly enough to handle the physical tests ahead.
What is the bottom line for the Huskies?
Washington has the talent to compete in the Big Ten, but the offensive line must improve. The Eastern Washington game offered a glimpse of what could be coming: a veteran-heavy front designed to protect the quarterback and open holes against elite defenses.
Iowa fans will get a firsthand look when the Hawkeyes host the Huskies later this season. If the new lineup clicks, it could be a different Washington team than the one that struggled to run the ball in September.