Washington Huskies players to know ahead of College Football Playoff

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The Washington Huskies have an opportunity to end the Pac-12 era on a high note. 

With the conference essentially coming to an end, Washington snapped the Pac-12’s six-year College Football Playoff drought by going 13-0 and defeating Oregon twice. 

The Washington Huskies and Oregon Ducks on the Pac-12 logo during the Pac-12 championship at Allegiant Stadium Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas.  (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The Huskies will head to the Big Ten in 2024, and the Pac-12 will have just two remaining teams following a summer of change. 

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Washington will face Texas in a CFP semifinal Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Let’s take a look at three Washington players to watch with the CFP semifinals just days away. 

Michael Penix Jr. has had a lengthy college career, and he now has an opportunity to finish on top after a spectacular season. 

The sixth-year senior lit up opposing defenses for most of the year, culminating in a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. 

In 13 games, Penix threw for 4,218 yards, 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions, leading one of the top offenses in the country. 

The Washington passing attack is the best in the nation, averaging 343.8 yards per game.

Michael Penix Jr. (9) of the Washington Huskies celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the Pac-12 championship game against the Oregon Ducks at Allegiant Stadium Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas.  (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

Penix is a true pocket passer, rushing the ball just 29 times this year while throwing for the most yards in the nation.