In his second year with the Washington Huskies, fourth-year safety Alex McLaughlin has firmly established himself as one of the best defenders in college football.
On Wednesday, the former Northern Arizona transfer was named to Sporting News' Midseason All-America Team after recording 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss (both of which lead the team through the first seven games of the year), with 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
Although the Huskies have underwhelmed this year, sitting with just a 4-3 record as they hit their bye week, McLaughlin has been a bright spot for defensive coordinator Ryan Walters' unit as he's shown significant growth after being named an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025.
💫 Captain Alex McLaughlin
has been named to @sportingnews 2026 Midseason All-America team. ➡️ https://t.co/PbfYZeUxJi pic.twitter.com/xAoDJjFeSs
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) October 21, 2026
"I think the next step for him is truly just being a student of the game," safeties coach Taylor Mays said of the senior in March. "Just taking his progressions in a game and his understanding of what the offense is trying to do and how to make plays within the defense, and take that to the next level. That'll be the next step in his progression."
McLaughlin has done just that; he's played with impressive anticipation throughout the year while Walters has deployed him like a Swiss Army Knife. He's taken snaps at almost every defensive alignment, from free and strong safety to cornerback, nickelback, inside and outside linebacker, and even as an edge rusher.
As the Huskies look to right the ship in the back half of the season, the newly-minted All-American will continue to be one of the key pieces and leaders on Jedd Fisch's team.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington football star DB named Sporting News Midseason All-American
