Northwestern may need a new leading wide receiver next season.

Malik Washington has entered the NCAA transfer portal. As a graduate, Washington does not have to wait for next week’s transfer portal window for undergraduates.

Washington, from Lawrenceville, Georgia, signed with Northwestern in 2019 over Tennessee, Michigan State, Vanderbilt and Auburn. With the Wildcats, he played in 40 games over 4 seasons. The NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for 2020 allows Washington to play in 2023 as a 5th-year senior (or as a 6th-year senior in 2024 if he were to redshirt next season for any reason).

This season, Washington led the team in catches (65) and receiving yards (694). Washington had 1 touchdown catch, while 3 of his teammates posted 2 touchdowns a piece.

Players occasionally withdraw from the transfer portal and rejoin their team, but those instances are becoming increasingly rare.