Jacob Bandes, a senior defensive tackle for the Washington Huskies, has just completed his storied college football career—a journey that spanned six years, filled with highs and lows, and changed not only him but also the very culture of the team. As he reflects on his experiences, Bandes is candid about what he’s seen, endured, and left behind at Washington, offering an insightful, and at times, controversial look into the program’s evolution.
When Bandes first arrived at the University of Washington, the football program was in a state of flux. Coach Chris Petersen had recently taken the reins, and there was a sense of rebuilding that needed to happen. For Bandes, an unknown recruit from California, it was a daunting but thrilling challenge. “When I got here, the team was rebuilding, but no one was talking about it,” Bandes recalls. “Everyone just assumed we would be good because we’re Washington, but there was a lot of work to do.”
He goes on to describe how the program’s culture was gradually reshaped. Bandes acknowledges that it wasn’t just the schemes or the talent that transformed the Huskies into a playoff contender—it was the mindset. “Coach Petersen instilled a toughness and focus that wasn’t there before. But when he left, things started to shift. The culture, it felt different,” Bandes says, his voice dropping slightly. “Some of the older guys and I were concerned about it. There’s always this tension between the new and the old when it comes to leadership, and I saw some of that as we moved into the Jimmy Lake era.”
Lake, who took over as head coach in 2020, brought a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team, but Bandes admits that this new approach didn’t always align with the values he and the other veterans had been trying to uphold. “We worked so hard to build a foundation, and with the new leadership came a new set of priorities. It wasn’t necessarily better or worse, but it was different. You can’t help but feel like some of the traditions were getting lost in translation,” he explains.
The defensive line, a unit Bandes had poured countless hours into, felt the brunt of this shift. While Lake’s tenure started with high expectations, the defensive strategy seemed to change week by week. There was a lack of consistency, especially when it came to player development. “Under Petersen, we had a clear idea of what we were doing on defense. We weren’t always the most talented, but we were relentless. Under Lake, it felt like there were too many adjustments, too many changes to the scheme. It hurt us, especially in key moments,” Bandes admits.
Bandes speaks with pride about the legacy he and his fellow seniors leave behind: a team that still competes at a high level despite the turbulence. “The veterans like myself, we kept fighting because we wanted the future guys to understand what it took. We wanted to leave a team that wasn’t just about talent but about a relentless mentality,” he says with conviction. “I feel good knowing that the program is in a place where it can succeed, even if it means passing the baton to the next generation.”
Looking ahead, Bandes is realistic about his future. After six years of collegiate football, his body has taken a toll. “I’ve had some injuries, and I know the NFL might not be in the cards for me. But I’ve got other plans. I want to get into coaching—maybe even back at UW,” he shares, his face lighting up at the prospect of shaping future players’ careers.
For now, Bandes remains proud of his career and his part in the Huskies’ story. “The culture, the tradition—it all matters. But sometimes, you have to step back and see where you’ve come from, and also know when it’s time to move forward.” His legacy, whether it’s on the field or in the coaching world, will surely have an impact for years to come.
