McLaughlin looking to take his next step to lead Washington's defense

After arriving through the transfer portal from Northern Arizona, it didn't take Alex McLaughlin to establish himself as an integral part of the Washington Huskies ' defense in 2025. On his way to an All-Big Ten honorable mention, he racked up 89 tackles, 3 for loss, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions (one pick-six), and a fumble recovery (which he also took to the house) while acting as the focal point of defensive coordinator Ryan Walters' scheme. And he did all of that while playing around 200 pounds.

Now listed at 205 ahead of his senior year, McLaughlin is once again projected to be the cog that makes Walters' defense turn, and he has a good idea of what he needs to do to take the next step in his development during his senior season. Most forced incompletions, Big Ten safeties in 2025: Amare Ferrell, Indiana: 7 Alex McLaughlin, Washington: 7 Louis Moore, Indiana: 5 Miles Scott, Illinois: 5 Devan Boykin, Indiana: 5 Dillon Thieneman, Oregon: 5 Kerry Brown, Minnesota: 5 Malik Spencer, Michigan State: 5 Lorenzo… pic. twitter.

com/VrZiF2N9Vj — Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 17, 2026 "I definitely want to elevate in the leadership," McLaughlin said after practice on Thursday. "This is really the year where I've been the oldest guy, and I really want to elevate on the leadership side of ball. I also want to work on my anticipation, anticipating what's coming so I can make more plays in the backfield.

" As he continues to add weight to his frame, looking to play at close to 210 pounds this season, safeties coach Taylor Mays also knows what he wants to see from his senior. "I think the next step for him is truly just being a student of the game," Mays said during Washington's pre-spring press conference. "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.