Washington, Michigan Start Multiple Freshmen Starters in Season Openers

University of Washington football coach Jedd Fisch confirmed that two freshmen, offensive guard John Mills and wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright, will start in the season opener against Colorado State. Mills, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound player from San Francisco, won a close competition to start at left offensive guard and will rotate with redshirt freshman Paki Finau. Vines-Bright, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound former four-star recruit from Tempe, Arizona, earned the starting wide receiver spot over Penn State transfer Omari Evans due to his strong practice performance and impressive spring game showing. Fisch highlighted the ongoing competition among players, also noting that tight end and edge rusher positions remain situational, with senior Quentin Moore and senior Zach Durfee seeing time in their respective roles. The Huskies’ depth chart reflects a willingness to play true freshmen who prove themselves, with Fisch emphasizing the competitive environment and readiness of underclassmen like Vines-Bright and Mills. This approach signals a youthful, competitive roster ready for the season opener.