The Washington Huskies will be without one of their key offensive linemen as Maximus McCree announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a move set to take effect when the portal opens on January 2, 2026.
McCree, a 6-foot-6, 302-pound lineman from Kansas City, Missouri, played two seasons at Washington, appearing in 14 games with seven starts. He first earned the starting left tackle spot midway through the 2024 season, but a dislocated thumb against Iowa sidelined him for five games. He returned to start in the 2024 Sun Bowl against Louisville.
During the 2025 season, McCree began as the backup left tackle behind sixth-year senior Carver Willis. When Willis missed multiple games with a knee injury, McCree stepped back into the starting lineup and helped Washington secure wins over Maryland and Rutgers. His season ended prematurely after suffering a foot injury during Washington’s 24–7 loss to No. 18 Michigan on October 18.
Before joining Washington, McCree was a first-team junior college All-American at Iowa Central Community College, then transferred to Maryland in 2022. Following that season, he stepped away from football to support his family after his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, before returning to compete at the highest collegiate level.
McCree’s remaining eligibility is uncertain. He has played two seasons at Iowa Central, one at Maryland, and two at Washington, but recent NCAA rulings for former junior college athletes, including a waiver allowing extra eligibility, could provide him with up to two additional seasons if those previous junior college years do not count against the limit.
Washington is preparing for 2026 with a host of young offensive linemen competing for starting roles, most notably five-star recruit Kodi Greene, who signed during the early signing period in December. McCree’s departure will require adjustments to the depth chart and opens opportunities for younger linemen to step up.
The transfer highlights a broader trend of players utilizing the portal to explore new opportunities, posing challenges for programs trying to maintain continuity and roster stability in today’s college football landscape.
