Washington Wolfpack Clinch First-Ever AF1 Playoff Berth!

The Washington Wolfpack have done it! After a couple of years of growing pains and a tough start to the 2026 season, the Wolfpack have punched their way into the playoffs for the first time in their young history. It's well-earned after all the work the team has put in. What began as another season of questions has ended with the Wolfpack standing among the league's postseason teams. Patience from ownership, belief from Head Coach JR Wells, resilience from the team, and a brotherhood bond have helped turn it all around for Washington. 

Defined By resilience 

The 2026 season didn't start how the Wolfpack would have wanted it to. They opened with a home loss to the Oregon Lightning. After that, games against the AF1's top two teams, the Nashville Kats and the Albany Firebirds, left the Wolfpack at 0-3. While some talkers on the internet and socials may have said "same old Wolfpack", coach Wells and this team knew it was different. 

Wells refused to let the early losses define them. He is a firm believer in lessons, not losses. His message remained consistent throughout the season every time I talked with him. Trust the process, stay accountable, and start stacking wins one game at a time. "The standard is the standard" is something I heard from Coach Wells and his players. 

The culture shift began to show results as the roster bought in and settled. Veterans and newcomers both embraced the saying "#WC - Who Cares" and kept their focus. A thrilling last-minute road win against the Beaumont Renegades saw Washington notch their first win. They followed that performance up with a franchise-scoring record, 79-19 road win over Oregon. 

While they dropped a home game to Beaumont to fall to 2-4, the Wolfpack then rattled off three straight wins. They defeated Oregon 26-23 in Oregon, Oceanside 43-30 on the road, and then hosted the Kentucky Barrels and won 47-42 in a big upset. While they finished the season 5-7, the Minnesota Monsters beat the Beaumont Renegades this weekend in the last twenty seconds of the game, giving the Wolfpack their playoff berth as the sixth seed. 

It's worth noting this offense functioned differently and more consistently when Jaiave Magalei was healthy. Magalei has battled a broken bone in his non-throwing hand and a separated shoulder. However, he is expected to make his return for the playoffs.  

What This Means For The Franchise And Community

For the Wolfpack Organization, from the owners to the dedicated staff, this playoff berth validates years of investment in building something special in Everett. The team has grown its local footprint through community engagement, affordable pricing, and great partnerships. 

The Wolfpack fans have brought enthusiasm through even the worst of times and have no problem getting loud and howling when their opponents' backs are against the wall. The playoff appearance isn't just a reward for the players and coaches. It's a reward for the fans who embraced the team through their journey from the start. 

Coach Wells has shown incredible pride in his group's work ethic. 

"These are all guys with a blue-collar mentality. They refuse to quit," Wells said. The playoff run gives the Wolfpack a chance to continue to build on the foundation they've set heading into the postseason and next season as well. 

Looking Ahead To The Postseason

With the regular season complete, all attention will turn towards Sunday at 4 PM Pacific. The Wolfpack will head back to Minnesota, where they just competed last week, to take on the Minnesota Monsters. Being at the last Minnesota game, I can tell you that this is a very winnable game for the Wolfpack. They enter with a dangerous underdog mentality, experience in close games, and a roster capable of upsetting higher seeds. big 

With backup quarterback Andrew McBride, this Wolfpack team kept up with the Monsters and almost mounted an unbelievable comeback. Prior to Jaiava Magalei's injury, this Wolfpack team was beating the Nashville Kats, staying one step ahead of them. In the Albany game, the Wolfpack stayed close the entire time. A controversial fumble call may have sealed the fate of that game. However, something tells me the Wolfpack are hungry for revenge against all of these teams. 

Even though the Wolfpack will be on the road, their focus will continue to be the same. Execute, stay physical, and play with confidence. 

"All we need to do is get into the dance," Coach Wells said. "It's been a long road with an intentional process to create this type of bond and standard. We know getting into the dance is all we need. We will make a lot of noise."

The 2026 Washington Wolfpack have already etched their names in franchise history for wins and points. They turned doubt into belief. Losses into lessons. A slow start to a playoff birth. The journey has just begun, and the Wolfpack are ready to howl.