Baron Naone, a second-year tight end for the Washington Huskies, has successfully claimed a co-starting position in the team's offense, following an impressive performance during the fall camp. This development marks a significant step in Naone's career as he joins third-year tight end Decker DeGraaf in the starting lineup, as announced in the Huskies' first depth chart for the 2026 season.
The Huskies, under the guidance of head coach Jedd Fisch, are gearing up for their upcoming clash against the Washington State Cougars in the highly anticipated Apple Cup on Sunday. Naone, who was a four-star recruit from West Linn High School in Oregon, has demonstrated the physical attributes and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive environment of the Big Ten. His ability to serve as a reliable target for junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been particularly noteworthy.
During a recent press conference, Coach Fisch expressed confidence in Naone's abilities, stating, "I think he and Decker are going to split most of the reps all game and all season. He had a fantastic camp. He's caught the ball well, blocked exceptionally well, gotten bigger." This endorsement highlights the significant progress Naone has made since joining the team.
One of the standout moments from Naone's fall camp was a remarkable 34-yard gain during Washington's mock game, where he showcased his ability to slip through defenses and make impactful plays. As the Huskies continue to focus on developing Williams' passing game, particularly in the middle of the field, Naone's role could evolve into that of a crucial offensive weapon.
Fisch further praised Naone's development, noting, "Baron's done a really, really good job in all facets. He's really added a ton of strength and size from last year to this year, is significantly different. He's catching the ball at a really high level. I can't think of many times he's dropped the ball this camp." This statement underscores Naone's commitment to improving his game and contributing to the team's success.
Additionally, Fisch highlighted Naone's versatility, stating, "I think he's just grown in his overall understanding of the offense that we can put him in every situation, every personnel group, and he could play at the tight end spot. He could play at the move tight end spot, the F spot, and then he can also do a great job in all three phases of runs, protections, and passing." This adaptability will be vital as the Huskies navigate their challenging schedule this season.
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