Former WSU LB Announces Transfer to Washington

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lars Hanson | Last updated Dec 26, 2024 9:01 PM ET

With three departing linebackers through graduation and another leaving through the transfer portal Washington needed to replenish the position going into year two under Jedd Fisch.

On Thursday, former Washington State starting middle linebacker Taariq Al-Uqdah announced he will play for the UW football program in 2025. giving the Huskies three transfer additions after securing former Arizona captain Jacob Manu and UCF sophomore Xe'Ree Alexander.

The 6-foot, 232-pound California native started 17 of 23 games for the Cougars over the last two seasons and led the team with 74 total tackles in 2024 as a full-time starter for now-ex WSU coach Jake Dickert.

"They love you 'til they don't," Al-Uqduh wrote on social media with a photo graphic indicating his transfer to UW the day after Christmas.

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In two games against the Huskies in 2023-24 the Los Angeles native — who goes by "Buddha" — made 11 tackles (5 solo) with 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass breakup, but showed even better against other schools on the Cougars' schedule.

Al-Uqduh is the 12th transfer addition for Fisch since the portal opened on December 9, and the eighth defensive addition joining defensive linemen Simote Pepa (Utah), Anterio Thompson (Western Michigan) and Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei (Arizona); safeties Alex McLaughlin (Northern Arizona) and CJ Christian (Florida International); along with the trio of linebackers, Alexander, Manu and Al-Uqduh.

UW has also signed offensive linemen Carver Willis (Kansas State) and Geirean Hatchett (Oklahoma) in addition to tight end Kade Eldridge (USC) and long snapper Ryan Kean (Utah Tech).

It's expected that the Huskies will look to add at least one more interior offensive and defensive lineman, along with one wide receiver, before the start of spring practices.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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