UCLA Must Stop These Three Key Huskies Players

UCLA hosts Washington in its final home game of the season, looking to close out the year on a high note

Nov 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) hands the ball to running back Jordan Washington (4) during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

After getting blown out by No.1 Ohio State last week, a loss that ended their hopes of reaching a bowl game, UCLA now shifts its focus to a challenging matchup against Washington.

With UCLA’s future front and center, this matchup serves as a measuring stick for how the Bruins compare to the rest of the Big Ten.

Here are three Washington playmakers who have a real chance to spoil UCLA’s senior night.

1. Demond Williams Jr. | Quarterback

Nov 8, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) scrambles under pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

A lot of the Huskies' success this year can be attributed to how good a year the sophomore quarterback, Demond Williams Jr, is having. UCLA will need to figure out how to slow down a dual-threat quarterback of this caliber.

This season, Williams Jr. has thrown for 2,508 yards and 17 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He’s been just as effective on the ground, rushing for 512 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

One of the biggest issues this season for UCLA has been its lackluster pass rush and run defense, two things Williams Jr can take advantage of easily. If the Bruins hope to slow him down, these issues must be addressed.

2. Jonah Coleman | Running Back

Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

One of Washington’s biggest playmakers — and the player who can hurt the Bruins the most — is running back Jonah Coleman, the heartbeat of the Huskies’ offense.

Coleman has led the Huskies in all rushing categories to this point. This season, Coleman has rushed for 645 yards (leads team), 13 touchdowns (leads team), as well as an impressive 4.9 yards per carry (leads team, min 20 carries). In the passing game, he has also added 335 yards and two touchdowns.

If UCLA can figure out how to slow down the senior back, this game could go the Bruins way.

3. Denzel Boston | Wide Receiver

Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after he makes a reception in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

One of the Huskies' hottest players in recent times has been Denzel Boston, who in the last three games has been excellent, pulling in 22 passes on 286 yards and two scores.

Boston is the leading receiver for the Huskies this season, racking up 52 passes, 730 yards, and eight touchdowns. He has been a considerable contributor to Williams Jr's breakout season.

The Bruins have actually fared well against opposing No. 1 receivers this season. Last week, against a stacked Ohio State receiving corps, UCLA held the Buckeyes’ leading receiver to just 40 yards. Their most impressive showing came against No. 2 Indiana, when they limited Elijah Sarratt to only two catches for six yards.

Nov 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Adam Mohammed (24) and wide receiver Omari Evans (5) celebrate after a touchdown scored by Mohammed during the first against the Purdue Boilermakers half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The key to this matchup will be winning in the trenches — something UCLA has struggled with for much of the season. On the flip side, the Bruins have excelled at limiting big-name receivers, a strength that will be crucial against Washington’s playmakers in particular.

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