Former Ferndale offensive linemen and current University of Washington football players Geirean and Landen Hatchett have entered the transfer portal.
The Hatchett brothers will assess their options in the portal after former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer departed for the University of Alabama on Friday, Jan. 12 following the Huskies’ loss to the University of Michigan in the CFP National Championship.
While the move suggests the brothers could be on their way out of the Husky program, they could return to Washington. However, if they decide to remove their name from the portal, the university will have to agree to bring them back.
Geirean, who will have two years of eligibility left, was the first to announce his decision on X, formerly Twitter, just before noon on Wednesday, Jan. 17. He started four games at right guard last season and played in all but three of Washington’s 15 games.
Jedd Fisch, previously the head coach at the University of Arizona, was hired to replace DeBoer on Jan. 14. Fisch is the fourth head coach Geirean has been affiliated with in his four seasons with the program, originally being recruited by Chris Peterson, who retired in 2019. He played under Jimmy Lake in 2020–21, and DeBoer from 2022–23.
“I am officially in the transfer portal,” Geirean said. “Under the current circumstances I am trying to figure out what’s best for me. Thank you.”
Landen’s announcement came just over nine hours later on Wednesday. After forfeiting his redshirt as a true freshman by appearing in more than four games, Landen will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” Landen said. “I will take this opportunity to understand what is best for me and my college football career. Thank you.”
Both Hatchett brothers were expected to step into even larger roles next season, and potentially start side-by-side on the Huskies’ offensive line.
Jana Hatchett, Geirean and Landen’s mother, posted Thursday defending her sons’ decisions.
“I could go on a rant to all the keyboard warriors/UW fans,” Jana said, “but all I will say is you have no idea what you are talking about. Let the kids have a moment to assess. They love UW but deserve this time to think that through. If you had kids here would hope you’d do the same.”
Landen’s announcement marked the 22nd Washington player to enter the portal since DeBoer’s departure, and he was the fourth offensive lineman to make the move.
