The Washington Huskies are on the hunt for a dynamic edge rusher to enhance their defensive lineup, particularly through the upcoming transfer portal opening on January 2. One promising candidate who recently declared his intention to transfer is AJ Green, a redshirt sophomore from Louisville standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds. Green fits the mold of the player that defensive coordinator Ryan Walters aims to recruit, bringing both size and substantial production to the field.
During the 2025 season, Green, a former four-star recruit, demonstrated his capabilities by accumulating 31 tackles, including 6 for a loss and 5 sacks. His performance also included a forced fumble and a touchdown from a fumble recovery. His impressive stats position him as one of the most attractive pass rushers on the market, drawing attention from various programs, including the Huskies.
The coaching staff had the opportunity to evaluate Green’s skills firsthand during the 2024 Sun Bowl, where he tallied 3 tackles against Washington. Green was part of a formidable Louisville defense that consistently pressured the Huskies’ offensive line, notching 5 sacks and limiting Washington’s running game to just 2.7 yards per carry.
As the Huskies aim for a successful 2026 season, the need for experienced and impactful players like Green has become increasingly critical. He is ranked as the No. 34 overall player and the No. 5 edge rusher in the transfer portal by 247Sports. If Green joins the program, he could start alongside senior Jacob Lane, providing a much-needed boost in pass-rushing power.
While the Huskies have promising talent in their defensive rotation, including four-star freshmen JD Hill and Derek Colman-Brusa, there is a clear necessity for an experienced edge rusher to alleviate reliance on inexperienced players and bolster the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Washington’s defense has underperformed in sack production in recent years, with just 24 sacks recorded in Walters’ first season, primarily led by Lane and Zach Durfee, each contributing 4 sacks.
The addition of a player like AJ Green could significantly enhance the Huskies’ pass rush, especially after facing injury challenges with key players Russell Davis and Isaiah Ward during the 2025 season. The potential recruitment of Green not only promises an upgrade in talent but also aims to cultivate a stronger defensive presence heading into the next season, revitalizing the Huskies’ pursuit of excellence on the gridiron.