Spring Position Breakdown: Defensive Tackles
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 07: Elinneus Davis #90 of the Washington Huskies celebrates a sack during the second quarter of the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Husky Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images Former Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson heard his name called during the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft this past weekend. He’s now an Atlanta Falcon, joining Husky legend Michael Penix Jr.
Time will tell if the Huskies can send another DT to the league next season. For UW to succeed in the Big Ten, stellar defensive line play is mandatory. Ahead of the 2026 campaign, Jedd Fisch and staff rebuilt the majority of the position room.
Returners Elinneus Davis Height: 6’3” Weight: 312 lbs Class: Junior Omar Khan: Height: 6’3” Weight: 312 lbs Class: Sophomore Davis and Khan are the lone returners for the Huskies. Davis enters his fourth season with the Huskies and was a key contributor last season, starting 13 games. He had 29 tackles with .
5 sacks in 2025. Khan is entering his third season with the program. The Texan redshirted in 2024, then played in one game last season against UC Davis.
TRANSFERS Kai McLendon, Mississippi State Height: 6’1” Weight: 334 lbs Class: Sophomore McLendon is hoping his return to action is a successful one after missing all of last season due to injury. He played in all 12 games in 2024 and started the final five. He logged 30 tackles and .