Jedd Fisch built the 2026 Washington Huskies. His foundation is crumbling

On July 30, Jedd Fisch wore a purple tie, stood on a stage at Big Ten Football Media Days and proudly declared: “This team was not bought. This team was built.” In the current era of college football, teams have two paths to prosperity: At least, it looks that way after alarming nonconference escapes against Washington State and Utah State, followed by Big Ten losses against Minnesota, USC and Iowa. With six games left, Fisch’s Huskies — who entered September as a ranked College Football Playoff dark horse — face an uphill trudge toward bowl eligibility.