Raiden Vines-Bright’s rise from injured newcomer to starter highlights a new era under Jedd Fisch
The Washington Huskies will open their 2025 season with a surprise in the starting lineup. Freshman wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright, once limited by a spring hamstring injury, has earned the nod over veteran Omari Evans. For head coach Jedd Fisch, the decision was simple: performance dictated the depth chart.
“He deserves it based on how he practiced,” Fisch said this week. “How he prepared, the plays that he made when the opportunity presented itself.”
That trust didn’t come overnight. Vines-Bright flashed his ability in the spring game, posting an estimated eight catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. His consistency carried into summer scrimmages, where he continued to make plays that demanded attention.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver was a four-star recruit from Tempe, Arizona. Fisch and wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings were among the first to offer him a scholarship while still at Arizona, showing their belief in his talent long before he arrived in Seattle.
Now, Vines-Bright steps into a Huskies offense with a chance to contribute immediately. Washington has won 20 straight at home, and a strong debut could set the tone for both the freshman’s career and the program’s season ahead.
If Vines-Bright delivers under the lights Saturday night, Husky fans may be witnessing the start of something special.
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