USA TODAY has placed the Washington Huskies at No. 22 in its latest ranking of the top 25 college football programs for the 2026 season, a spot that reflects both the program’s storied past and the optimism surrounding its future.
The foundation of that reputation was laid in 1991 when Don James guided the Huskies to a national championship, a triumph that still resonates in Seattle.
A decade later, Chris Petersen revived the program, steering it to the College Football Playoff and capturing two Pac‑12 titles, while Kalen DeBoer added a 25‑3 record and a runner‑up finish in the national title game in 2023.
A Legacy of Excellence
Through every non‑COVID season since 2010 the Huskies have secured a bowl berth, compiling a 94‑43 record since 2015 that underscores their consistency.
Now under head coach Jedd Fisch, the team faces a pivotal schedule that includes home matchups against Indiana and Penn State in November, as well as road tests at Oregon and USC, opportunities that could propel the Huskies higher in the national conversation.
Within the Big Ten, Washington currently sits behind traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Oregon, Penn State, Indiana and Nebraska, but the coaching staff believes a strong 2026 campaign could make the Huskies the third head coach to guide the program to the College Football Playoff.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, aware that the next few months could reshape the narrative surrounding the program and its place among the nation’s elite.