Will Rogers In a significant development for the Washington Huskies’ football program, fifth-year senior Will Rogers has been named the starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against Weber State. This decision, reported by Jordan Schultz on Monday, marks a notable choice by Washington’s first-year head coach Jedd Fisch, who has opted for the seasoned Rogers over the highly-touted 2024 recruit, Demond Williams Jr.
Will Rogers, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, has had a distinguished college career, primarily at Mississippi State. He began his journey with the Bulldogs in 2020, where he was a central figure under the leadership of the late head coach Mike Leach.
Leach, known for his distinctive air-raid offense, helped Rogers establish himself as one of the top statistical quarterbacks in SEC history. By the end of his tenure at Mississippi State, Rogers had amassed a remarkable 12,315 career passing yards, placing him second on the SEC’s all-time passing yards list, only behind Georgia’s Aaron Murray, who leads with 13,166 yards.
However, Rogers’ final season with Mississippi State was marred by a series of challenges. The team struggled throughout the 2023 season, and matters were further complicated by the unexpected death of Leach. In the wake of Leach’s passing, the Bulldogs promoted defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach. Under Arnett’s new pro-style offense, Rogers faced a significant adjustment period after thriving in the air-raid scheme that had been a hallmark of his earlier success.
The transition was turbulent. The Mississippi State offense faltered, and Rogers himself battled through a shoulder injury that sidelined him for four games. By November, with the Bulldogs’ season in disarray and Arnett dismissed, Rogers opted to enter the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity.
On December 15, Rogers made the decision to join the Washington Huskies, committing to the program under then-head coach Kalen DeBoer. His arrival came as Washington was gearing up for the College Football Playoff. Rogers was on the sidelines as the Huskies defeated Texas to advance to the national championship game, where they faced off against Michigan. Despite the high-profile games, Rogers’ tenure in Seattle was soon to face its own turmoil.
After the Huskies’ loss to Michigan in the championship game, a major shift occurred: DeBoer left Washington for Alabama on January 12. Rogers, who had just begun to settle into his new team, found himself re-entering the transfer portal on the same day. The sudden departure of DeBoer created uncertainty, prompting Rogers to reconsider his future.
Washington moved quickly to address the situation by hiring Jedd Fisch, the head coach from Arizona. Fisch’s arrival played a crucial role in stabilizing the situation. He successfully convinced Rogers to withdraw from the transfer portal and stay with the Huskies. Rogers officially rejoined the team on January 24 and participated in both spring and fall practices, preparing for the upcoming season.
As the 2024 season approaches, Washington is facing numerous questions. The team is adapting to a new coaching staff and navigating a largely revamped roster. Additionally, the move to the Big Ten adds another layer of complexity and anticipation for the program. In this transitional phase, the presence of an experienced quarterback like Rogers is expected to provide a stabilizing influence and valuable leadership. His familiarity with high-pressure games and his significant playing experience are anticipated to be crucial assets as the Huskies embark on this new chapter.
