Washington's 'expectations' include CFP title after turnaround

SEATTLE — Washington isn't dodging expectations or big goals after an 11-win season and the return of several national awards candidates. The Huskies are setting them.

«Our expectations are a national championship,» quarterback Michael Penix Jr. told ESPN. «That's what we all want, and that's what we believe we can get. That's just my confidence.»

Penix, who led the nation in passing average (357 ypg) in his first season at Washington, finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2022. Washington's offense rose from 114th nationally in 2021 to second last year, as coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff installed a dynamic passing scheme.

Last season, the Huskies didn't reach the Pac-12 championship game but won their final seven games to finish No. 8 nationally. Several star players bypassed the NFL draft to return for 2023, including Penix, top wide receiver Rome Odunze and edge rushers Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui.

The Pac-12 hasn't won a national championship since USC in 2004 and hasn't had a team in the College Football Playoff since Washington in 2016.

«I know that some people are scared to go at that, like, 'What if we don't win a national championship? The season ends in a failure,' but it would be wrong for us not to strive for the top,» said Odunze, who led the Pac-12 with 1,145 receiving yards in 2022. «If we want to be our best version of ourselves, then what's possible for us is the national championship. We're not going to shy away from that fact, and neither are we going to sulk and moan, if that's not exactly how it works out.

»We're going to work our a-- off and go out there and compete."

Odunze and his teammates say their coaches encourage a player-driven program, which includes setting goals. He wants