Washington Huskies’ NCAA Hopes Fade
The Washington Huskies are all but out of contention for the NCAA Tournament. The only realistic path would be to win every remaining game and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament to re-enter bubble consideration—or, theoretically, win the tournament outright—but let’s be honest: neither scenario is likely. This article looks at a more practical path for head coach Danny Sprinkle to salvage the season.
Signs of Progress Under Sprinkle
Despite the challenges, Sprinkle has already made noticeable improvements. The Huskies’ roster is stronger than last year, and he’s already picked up one more win than the team managed in the previous season, moving from 12 to 13 victories. It may not be dramatic, but it’s progress and a sign the team is trending upward.
Winnable Games Still on the Schedule
Washington still has a few potential victories left—Maryland, Rutgers, and Oregon. If they can secure these wins, which may be a stretch after the Penn State loss, the Huskies would finish the regular season at 16–15. While not a season-saving outcome, it would at least give them a winning record heading into the Big Ten Tournament.
A Realistic Path to Salvage the Season
To give the season a redeeming arc, Sprinkle would need to sneak in one additional win, possibly against a volatile opponent like USC or Wisconsin. Adding just one Big Ten Tournament win and making a run in the NIT could leave fans with a more positive takeaway, even if the NCAA Tournament remains out of reach.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
The roster has the talent to make this happen, though inconsistency has been a recurring issue. While missing the NCAA Tournament is disappointing, there’s still a realistic way to end the season on a higher note. Sprinkle doesn’t need perfection—just a few extra wins, some NIT success, and a bit of luck with injuries could set the stage for a more hopeful 2026 season.
