Wednesday Dots: Unbridled Optimism

Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mama, put my Dots in the ground

I can’t shoot them anymore

• Washington coaches spoke to the local media shortly after the conclusion of Big 10 Media Days. Christian Caple has an excellent summary of the content and tone of the discussions. He noted how excited everyone feels about the team’s prospects this fall. From offensive coaches to defensive players, everyone seems to believe that the team is in a completely different position than it was a year ago. Health and depth, especially along the lines, remain major questions in my mind, but it’s reassuring to hear that the coaching staff seems to believe that the squad is in better shape in those spots than they were at this point last summer.

• Jim Noe, a Husky in the early 1950s, died this week at the age of 93. Noe still holds the record for the longest fumble return in Husky Stadium history, a 77-yarder against Colorado. Noe played both ways, but was perhaps most notable as an interior blocker for Hugh McElhenny. After his Husky career, Noe went on to UW Law and eventually became a judge in both Seattle Municipal and King County Superior Courts.

• Much remains to be seen about how the House Settlement will play out, namely how the clearinghouse will police and enforce impermissible payments to athletes. One of the thing that is more clear is who will get the money that is permissible. UW has already announced that a portion of its player payment pool will go to the Softball team. Heather Tarr’s program has been a national powerhouse for most of the last two decades, including the 2009 National Championship. The Seattle Times looks at how being part of the revenue sharing distribution could benefit the Softball team going forward.

• Jedd Fisch made it much easier for fans to attend fall practices last year and it looks like the open door policy will continue this summer. The Huskies released their fall practice schedule and nearly every session includes at least some portion open to the public between today and August 17.

• On3 breaks down Washington’s 2026 recruiting class so far and names the Huskies as an x-factor in the Big 10 recruiting landscape. While many of us can already recite the commits and class statistics from memory, it’s great to see UW getting some national attention for the progress they’ve made this cycle.

#Gators DB Asa Turner is stepping away from football and transitioning into his post-football life, per head coach Billy Napier.

Turner had received his 7th year of eligibility and was reported to play for UF this year.

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) July 29, 2025

Most Intimidating Stadiums from CBS:

1. LSU
2. Tennessee
3. Penn State
4. Georgia
5. Oregon
6. South Carolina
7. Florida
8. Clemson
9. Washington
10. Auburn https://t.co/XRvNz1uPDY

— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) July 30, 2025

Will Johnson LAID OUT by Washington RB Jonah

Coleman pic.twitter.com/B575omSkKB

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) July 28, 2025

During his commitment speech, @umucais made sure to shine a light on his culture, beliefs, family, and friends, while giving insight into his decision to choose @UW_Football.

He also explained how @CoachJeddFisch helped to reassure his decision. Congrats to the Umu-Cais family! pic.twitter.com/DEKFtNMmn8

— Ryan Wesley (@coachwes_23) July 29, 2025

Pretty sweet new mural in the @UW_Football recruiting lounge honoring the 1st round picks over the last decade. pic.twitter.com/IpWUxasZXZ

— Dick Fain (@dickfain) July 29, 2025

More from uwdawgpound.com:

• Husky Coaches Are Busy On The Recruiting Trail
• Friday Dots: Will the Huskies find snaps for all their running backs?
• Husky Softball pulls off legendary comeback to finish statement sweep at Utah
• Dots: Comeback Kids
• Friday Dots: Who are the Huskies’ top draft prospects for 2018?
• Dots: Ross inks Rookie deal with Bengals
• Dots: Madden-ing