Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2021 college football season
By Zach Bigalke
818. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Pac-12. 3-1 in 2020 season. Washington Huskies. 23. player
Washington’s 2020 season ended after only four games, as COVID-19 cases on the Huskies roster forced the team to shutter their campaign early. That kept Jimmy Lake’s team from playing Oregon in the regular-season finale and USC in the Pac-12 championship game, and caused them to turn down a chance at the postseason. After a truncated campaign, Washington will be ranked lower than they might otherwise have been in the first AP Top 25 released ahead of the 2021 season.
The quarterback competition in the offseason is worth watching, as top-ranked recruit Sam Huard comes in to compete with incumbent Dylan Morris for the starting position. All 11 starters (including Morris) are back for an offense that averaged more than 30 points per game. The defense is in great shape as well, with eight starters returning. The biggest losses are in the secondary, which will need to replace both Elijah Molden and Keith Taylor.
The 2021 season kicks off with a home date against FCS powerhouse Montana, ahead of a statement opportunity at the Big House against Michigan. Washington also takes on Arkansas State in Seattle in advance of conference play. The Huskies avoided both USC and Utah in interdivisional play and get to face Arizona State at home. Washington also hosts Oregon in 2021 after their 2020 game in Eugene was canceled.