Kolt Dieterich Has Proven to be a Critical Addition for Washington

During his time at Washington, Jedd Fisch has made it known that he wants to build his program through the high school recruiting ranks rather than depend on the transfer portal. The Huskies ' head coach has stuck to his word, putting together a trio of top-25 recruiting classes in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

However, one portal addition has slowly become one of their most important pieces on the offensive line. After three seasons at Sam Houston State, Kolt Dieterich made the move to Montlake as one of six offensive players the Huskies brought in through the portal this past offseason. Playing in 28 games for the Bearkats at both right and left tackle, the experienced lineman was thrust into a new position over the course of the offseason.

After starting center Landen Hatchett was scheduled to miss significant time following hand surgery in the spring, Fisch suggested moving the former tackle to center, a position he had never played at any point in his career. With Landen's brother, Geirean, also dealing with injuries, Dieterich took over as the starting center, as he has held his own ever since.

After struggling in his Husky debut against Washington State, the fourth-year player has seen improvements in his overall performance, jumping from a Pro Football Focus grade of 57.2 in the Apple Cup to 60.8 in his most recent showing against Eastern Washington.

Not only has the transfer been a help by filling in for the injured Hatchett, but it also provides additional depth to the room when the fourth-year center does return . Fisch and offensive line coach Michael Switzer have shown that they're not afraid to change their look up front throughout the game, as Geirean Hatchett and sophomore Champ Taulealea have split time at right guard, while starting left guard John Mills took a few series at left tackle in place of freshman Kodi Greene against EWU.

While most programs around the country would prefer to have a consistent front five at the line of scrimmage, Fisch and Switzer have welcomed the depth with open arms. With the current rotation being made up of six players, that number will move to seven once the younger Hatchett returns, giving Dieterich the luxury of moving back out to his natural position of tackle in times of need.

After struggling through a majority of the non-conference schedule, Washington will look to establish dominance up front against a Big Ten front in the Golden Gophers , who currently are ranked No. 59 in the nation in rush defense.