Why return of offensive line pair means so much for UW’s outlook
1 of 2 | Washington offensive linemen John Mills celebrates a touchdown against Illinois, Oct. 25, 2025 in Seattle. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)
By Andy Yamashita Seattle Times staff reporter
Carver Willis knew something was wrong immediately.
With 1:01 remaining in the second half of No. 24 Washington’s 24-6 defeat against No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 27, the sixth-year left tackle dropped back into pass protection against Buckeye edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
So Willis never saw Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald — upended by UW sixth-year right guard Geirean Hatchett — flying toward his right knee until the 326-pound defensive tackle had already rolled into him.
As he went down, Willis felt something pop in his knee. It was his medial collateral ligament (MCL) completely tearing apart.
“Obviously, I’ve been rolled up on before,” Willis said. “But that was — I’d never really felt a sharp pop. And even on the field, when the trainers came out, I was like, ‘Hey, I felt a pop. I know something’s torn. I know something’s not right.’”
Willis was immediately removed, the first time he hadn’t completed a game he started in his entire football career. He was joined by left guard John Mills on the sideline a week later, after the true freshman starter was injured during UW’s 24-20 comeback win against Maryland. But both returned to action during UW’s convincing 42-25 win against Illinois on Oct. 25, fueling one of Washington’s best offensive performances of the season.
“Those guys are obviously very talented guys,” offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty said. “Very skilled. Very physical. Very strong. Move well. Do all the things you want from an offensive lineman. And more than anything too, they bring an attitude. They bring a confidence and a swagger to that unit. And that unit is always one where if they’re playing well, they’re connected.
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“One or two guys can really have an effect on the psyche of the whole group. I think those kids do that and some, so it was great having them back.”
The Huskies (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) enjoyed one of their most productive games running the ball since conference play began with Willis and Mills back in the rotation against the Fighting Illini. UW totaled 157 yards rushing and a touchdown on 33 carries, just the second time it had surpassed the 150-yard rushing milestone against a Big Ten opponent this season.
Washington also didn’t allow a sack against Illinois and gave up just three pressures — two hurries and a quarterback hit — according to Pro Football Focus. UW’s only game without surrendering a sack this season came against FCS UC Davis.
Coach Jedd Fisch praised the entire offensive line unit’s performance Monday. He particularly singled out strong performances by redshirt freshman guard Paki Finau and sophomore tackle Soane Faasolo, who stepped in for Willis and Mills at times because the two returning starters were on snap counts after returning from injury. But Fisch also noted the impact of having his fully healthy starting offensive line for the first time since the Ohio State game.
“(Willis and Mills) brought some consistency and brought some energy,” coach Jedd Fisch said Monday. “Did a great job of helping solidify what I believe was our whole offensive line having their best game.”
Willis heaped compliments on Washington’s training staff, and specifically head trainer Tom Reed and director of football rehabilitation Lea Thomann, for helping him recover so quickly. He also thanked them for having his best interests in mind, particularly in the immediate moments after his injury.
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After allowing Willis to walk off the field under his own power — something the Kansas State transfer said was very important to him — the training staff examined his knee during halftime and told him he’d avoided a potentially season-ending injury to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Willis immediately went to find the strength staff and did some blocking drills to try and convince the coaches he was available to reenter the game after the break. Only to realize the decision wasn’t his to make. The trainers refused to even consider letting him go back in, something he appreciated in hindsight.
“There was no reason for me to try and go back in and play on a freshly torn MCL,” he said.
Willis said the training staff explained his diagnosis during the game’s aftermath, but never gave him a specific timeline because they didn’t want him to aggravate his injury trying to rush back to the field. They told him most MCL injuries take between four and six weeks to recover. Willis, somewhat optimistically, targeted the Illinois game for his return.
Three-and-a-half weeks later, Willis knew he’d be available against the Fighting Illini after suffering very few setbacks. He again credited the training staff for creating a good recovery plan for him, focused on mobility and strength work emphasizing football productivity rather than simply adding weight. Willis said he spent a lot of time working with Ben Creamer, UW’s director of sports science who also has a long history infusing martial arts training into football.
“They did an incredible job,” Willis said. “I cannot speak highly enough about them. What they helped me do, on paper, shouldn’t technically really be that possible, but it was.”
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Willis played 49 snaps during his return against Illinois. He said he felt completely healthy after the game, though he admitted there were a number of factors that likely limited any physical discomforts.
“Adrenaline and Toradol are a good mix,” he said.
Willis wasn’t alone during his recovery. He was joined by Mills, who celebrated his 18th birthday on the team flight to Michigan in October, after the true freshman left guard sustained a high ankle sprain against Maryland. Mills played 41 snaps against Illinois, and said having a teammate, and especially one with as much experience as Willis, go through rehab with him made the process easier.
“Seeing just how we both were grinding gave me some more motivation to go out there and just keep getting better so we could get back,” Mills said. “We did, so I’m very glad.”
So it was fitting when Willis and Mills teamed up to open the hole for senior running back Jonah Coleman’s 29-yard run against Illinois with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Mills helped junior center Landen Hatchett move Fighting Illini defensive tackle Curt Neal out of the way before climbing to join Willis on the second level and walling off linebacker Malachi Hood as Coleman burst past.
Coleman’s run was UW’s longest rushing play of the game and the senior running back’s longest carry since his 34-yarder against Ohio State, the last game Willis and Mills played together.
“It felt great,” Mills said. “I was down for only two games, but it felt very long. I loved it. Being back with Carver, we were just talking about it. We were always in that training room together working, trying to get back as soon as possible. It was great being back on the field with him.”
Added Willis: “To be able to play on Saturday and be able to feel like you made an impact is always nice.”
Extra point
- Washington was ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff poll, which released its first rankings Tuesday evening. The Huskies made their first appearance in The Associated Press poll Sunday, coming in at No. 24.
Andy Yamashita: ayamashita@seattletimes .com. Andy Yamashita is a sports reporter at The Seattle Times, primarily covering Washington Huskies football.
Comments
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I didn’t realize John Mills was 17 when he started vs Ohio State. Millen said he’s a future All American and will be in the NFL in 3 years.
