Washington Huskies Football: 2023 Transfer Portal – Part 5 O-Line
Our series on the comings and goings within the Washington Huskies football program moves over to the offensive side with UW's offensive line.
Herb Nightengale
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Changes are coming to the Washington Huskies offensive line in 2023, as UW has to replace three players headed to the NFL.
Our series on the comings and goings within the Washington Huskies football program moves over to the offensive side with UW’s offensive line.
Last year under new head coach Kalen DeBoer and quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Washington Huskies offensive line did a much better job than they did the season before. MPJ had plenty of time to throw and was sacked only 7 times (second to Oregon’s 5).
The hog mollies succeeded in more than pass protection. UW rushers averaged 4.74 yards per carry (4th in Pac-12 and 46th nationally).
Replacing the Veterans
In 2023 the Washington Huskies will have to reload their interior offensive line. Starting guards Henry Bainivalu (UDFA, Indianapolis Colts) and Jaxson Kirkland (UDFA, Cincinnati Bengals), as well as center Corey Luciano (UDFA, San Francisco 49ers), used up their eligibility.
Despite losing those three stalwarts, the Washington Huskies have capable players with experience to take their spots. Penix wouldn’t have returned to Washinshington without full confidence in the line protecting him.
Julius Buelow, a backup last season, moved to guard in spring camp; he is on the left side of UW’s first unit. Nate Kalepo should be the other starting guard when summer camp begins.
At center, senior Matteo Mele is expected to start. Over the last two years, Mele has played in 23 games all over the offensive line, including center.
Starting at left tackle will be junior Troy Fautanu, who started there every game last season except against Stanford when he moved to left guard. Fauntanu was named 2nd team All-Pac12 last year, his first year as a starter.
Sophomore Roger Rosengarten is the starting right tackle. Since Penix is a lefty, Rosengarten protects the blindside.
Outgoing
The Washington Huskies lost two offensive linemen during the off-season via the transfer portal. Victor Curne was a two-year starter at tackle before Rosengarten replaced him in 2022. He moves on to the University of Mississippi.
After spring practice, interior lineman Myles Murao also entered the portal. So far, the redshirt freshman hasn’t announced where he will play next year.
Incoming
It takes a while to develop good offensive linemen. This year the Washington coaches decided not to bring in any additions to their line from the transfer portal. They did add incoming freshmen.
Among the highlights of UW’s 2023 recruiting class is Landen Hatchet. He’s a four-star rated interior lineman from Ferndale, Washington, and has already enrolled.
Also enrolled is three-star tackle Zachary Henning of Aurora, Colorado. The Huskies have three offensive tackles that signed letters of intent, Elisha Jacket (four-star), Kahlee Tuffai (three-star), and
In Part 6, we look at the Washington Huskies most talented position group, wide receiver. Go Dawgs!