2025 Edge Rusher Recaps UW Visit

Before the University of Washington football team faces USC in the Coliseum this coming season, there may already be a fierce competition between them.

Earlier this year, former Trojans linebacker and St. John Bosco High School standout Ralen Goforth transferred to the UW for his final year of eligibility. It was both a much-needed veteran depth addition for the Huskies heading into the 2023 season and a statement for the program from a perception standpoint.

When Goforth met with local media for the first time halfway through spring ball, he stated the reason he came to UW was to win a national championship.

Given that his former school, USC, is projected to be one of the premier schools in the Pac-12, if not the top pick, it speaks to how Goforth views the difference in culture between the two programs.

It’s helping his current school on the recruiting trail, too.

☔️ pic.twitter.com/MHdDkFIGhz
— Hayden Lowe (@Hayden_lowe323) June 17, 2023

This past weekend, Hayden Lowe, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior from Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California, made his first unofficial visit to Washington.

Lowe received his offer from UW last December before the Huskies headed down to San Antonio, Texas, for the Valero Alamo Bowl. He and Goforth share the same trainer in Southern California and keep in touch often.

“He’s been saying it’s a way better – the culture at UW is way better than USC and there’s a lot more opportunity outside of football at UW than USC,” Lowe said of Goforth’s message to him.

To date, the Trojans haven’t offered Lowe, who holds 17 scholarship offers, which include seven from the Pac-12 along with Notre Dame, Texas and others. Almost every school sees him as a stand-up linebacker coming off the edge, but he can do more.

“Their whole defense is basically ran through their D-lineman and that’s wonderful; that’s a great position for me,” Lowe said. “I identify myself as a speed rusher so that fits into play. I don’t have a preference though. I can do it all.”

In just three games as a sophomore, Lowe recorded three sacks, effectively the same number he did as a freshman in 10 more games.

As of now, Lowe has only one visit in mind – a return trip to Seattle when UW hosts Oregon on October 14.

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