LeJuan Watts Is Headed to Washington and the Huskies Just Got a Steal

The University of Washington men's basketball team just locked in a major portal move, and it's the kind of acquisition that quietly changes your roster depth. Texas Tech transfer LeJuan Watts announced Wednesday morning on Instagram that he's coming to the Huskies, and this is a significant pickup for UW. The 6-foot-6 forward ranked 59th nationally on ESPN's transfer list and brings legit experience from his travels through the Pac-12 and Power Five programs.

A Well-Traveled Player With Real Tape

Watts has been on a journey. The Fresno, California native started at Eastern Washington, spent last season at Washington State, then transferred to Texas Tech. Over three seasons, he's averaged 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists while making 62 starts in 99 games. Last season at Texas Tech, he posted a career-high 36 points against Northern Colorado, added 21 versus Illinois and 20 against Duke. That's the kind of big-game production you notice.

In the 2025-26 season, Watts played 33 games (28 starts) for the Red Raiders, averaging 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field and 32.1% from three. Those are solid numbers from a proven scorer who can space the floor and contribute on the glass. During the 2024-25 season at Washington State, he put up career highs with 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Another Portal Win, and One Huskies Family Connection

Watts has one year of eligibility left at Washington, which makes this a low-risk, high-reward addition. He'll also be following his younger brother DeSean to the Huskies. DeSean, a 6-foot-2, 318-pound defensive tackle who played last season at Sacramento State, transferred to Washington in January and is already participating in spring drills.

The Huskies have been aggressive in the portal lately. Beyond Watts, Washington has added Ryan Beasley (from San Francisco), Steele Venters (from Gonzaga) and Parker Friedrichsen (from Davidson) in recent weeks. Combined with pledges from Wesley Yates III, Lathan Sommerville, Jasir Rencher, Nikola Dzepina and Mady Traore, the Huskies now have nine scholarship players committed for the 2026-27 season. That leaves six spots to fill, since the NCAA roster limit is 15.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.