Edefuan Ulofoshio, who started his University of Washington football career as a walk-on ,was named a second-team All-American and received first-team All-Pac-12 recognition this season.
Ulofoshio, a senior from Anchorage, Alaska, is a three-year starter who was selected as a University of Washington team captain this season.Edefuan Ulofoshio
Edefuan Ulofoshio forced a fumble on his first play at the University of Washington — an unlikely moment that marked the start of his equally unlikely rise to stardom.
Lightly recruited out of high school, Ulofoshio decided to walk on for the Huskies because they best fit his style of play. His story of tenacity, heart and soaring ambition has been unfurling ever since.
Ulofoshio, a senior from Anchorage, Alaska, is a three-year starter who was selected as a team captain for a UW team preparing to face the University of Texas in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. He was named a second-team All-American and received first-team All-Pac-12 recognition. Ulofoshio is also now in an elite circle as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Butkus Award, a distinction reserved for the nation’s top linebackers.
Yet, Ulofoshio has aspirations beyond the field. Majoring in public health on a pre-med track, he envisions a future career as a pediatrician.
“I hope to be a catalyst for change,” Ulofoshio says. “To bridge the gap in health care disparities, especially in underserved communities.”
Ulofoshio celebrates after the Huskies defeated the Oregon Ducks in October.UW Athletics
Amid the rigorous demands of student-athlete life, Ulofoshio carved out time to volunteer at Seattle Children’s Hospital and with Mary’s Place — a shelter aiding families who are transitioning from homelessness.
This year, Ulofoshio received the Guy Flaherty Most Inspirational Award, the highest honor within the UW football program. It is a symbol not just of his athletic prowess but a celebration of his character, embodying the values of perseverance, leadership and service.
Now, as the undefeated Huskies get ready for the Sugar Bowl on Monday night, Ulofoshio’s legacy stands strong as a story of grit and determination — determination that has led the team all the way to a No. 2 ranking nationally and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
“You can’t write a better script,” Ulofoshio said of his journey after this year’s Pac-12 championship game. “You dream about moments like this and think they never really come to fruition, but dreams really do come true.”
For ticket and game information about the Huskies’ upcoming matchup against the University of Texas in the Sugar Bowl, visit the UW Athletics Bowl Central page.