First Look: Washington

Here’s an early look at Purdue’s seventh opponent of the 2026 season: the Washington Huskies: Date/Time: Friday, October 16, 8 p.m. EDT Location: Ross-Ade Stadium Surface: Bermuda Grass Capacity: 61,441 (tickets) Weather: High of 57, low of 38 with wind expected Purdue schedule | Purdue roster | Washington schedule | Washington roster Series notes: Purdue will aim to win its first conference game against one of the PAC-12 additions on Friday night against the Huskies. Since the four West Coast schools joined the league ahead of the 2024 season, Purdue has lost its lone meeting with each. Washington leads the all-time series against Purdue 8-2-1 and holds a 3-0 record in Ross-Ade Stadium. The two met annually from 1987 to 1990, with the Huskies winning all four in non-competitive fashion. In recent years, Purdue and Washington met in the Rose Bowl after the 2000 season and in the Sun Bowl in 2002, splitting the two with identical 34-24 outcomes. Purdue was out-classed in a 49-13 demolition at Husky Stadium last November in the only matchup since Washington became a member of the Big Ten. TV: FOX Early line: Purdue -2.5, O/U 51.5 STORYLINES TO WATCH 3-3, but very different While the two teams will take the field with identical 3-3 records, the programs carry very different vibes. Purdue snapped its multi-year Big Ten losing streak two weeks ago with a win over Illinois, then followed it with a 28-point thrashing of Minnesota. For the first time in a few years, Purdue fans will flock to Ross-Ade Stadium on Friday with real optimism about their beloved program. In the Pacific Northwest, Washington entered the season with its sights set on competing for the top of the league and dreaming of the College Football Playoff. Those dreams quickly became dashed, as the Huskies enter Friday night on a three-game skid. A 3-0 start left much to be desired, as Washington struggled to pull away from Apple Cup rival Washington State and needed to break up a Hail Mary attempt to survive a 16-14 contest with lowly Utah State. After allowing 41 points at home to Iowa, turbulent times have arrived in Seattle. Quarterback controversy As Washington fell behind 27-3 to Iowa on Friday, quarterback Demond Williams left the game with a reported side injury. Backup Elijah Brown performed admirably in the second half, leaving coach Jedd Fisch with a decision to make. “Give me 48 hours to really kind of process exactly we’re at right now,” Fisch said following the Iowa loss. “I think that Demond is the starting quarterback, and he’s been our starting quarterback, and we expect him to be our starting quarterback. I’ve got to see where he’s at health-wise, and I’ve got to make sure that he’s good to go before we declare any starter for this week.” Williams ruffled feathers when he entered the transfer portal, with rumors circulating that he would receive a large compensation package from LSU. Two days later, though, he announced he would withdraw from the transfer portal, as he had already signed paperwork to return to the Huskies in 2026. Washington made public threats to pursue legal action against Williams, and it was supported by Big Ten leadership. After showing promise in his first full season as a starter, the Husky offense appears to have regressed in 2026. Fisch will need to decide which way he wants to turn. Like Purdue, Washington finally gets its bye week after Friday night’s contest. Walters’ return Undoubtedly, Purdue fans will take their seats, eager to catch a glimpse of former head coach Ryan Walters. Now in his second season as the defensive coordinator in Seattle, Walters spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons as Purdue’s head coach. Under his guidance, the Boilermakers went 5-19, and he was fired after a woeful 1-11 season in 2024. Since his termination, Walters has not yet returned to Ross-Ade Stadium. Purdue’s roster doesn’t feature many former Walters players, but a handful of key contributors remain. Ryan Browne started two games for Walters in 2024, while the defense features Hudauri Hines, Smiley Bradford, CJ Madden and Winston Berglund who suited up for the former head coach. More: Exclusive Q&A: Ryan Walters reflects on tenure as Purdue football coach (published Dec. 4, 2024)