Phil Steele’s 2021 Washington football forecast predicts PAC-12 title

Phil Steele ranks Washington football No. 9 in the country in his 2021 forecast and predicts a 2021 PAC-12 title. After going 3-1 in 2020, the Huskies are back with 18 of their 2020 starters and look ready to breakthrough under coach Jimmy Lake. The 2021 Washington forecast calls for a run at the school’s first College Football Playoff appearance since 2016.

“All nine sets of my Power Ratings call for double-digit wins with one calling for 12-0,” wrote Steele. “Washington was my No. 1 Surprise Team in 2016 when they went from 7-6 to making the playoff. This year they are my No. 1 Surprise Team again!”

Offense

The Washington offense returns 10 of 11 starters to the lineup, making them a big factor in the 2021 forecast. Steele projects sophomore quarterback Dylan Morris to hold his starting job over Colorado State transfer Patrick O’Brien after leading the offense in 2020. The Huskies’ three-headed attack in the backfield also remains intact with Richard Newton, Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant. Devin Culp and Jake Otton return at tight end with Terrell Bynum at wide receiver. Michigan transfer Giles Jackson promises to add some punch to the offense. Steele believes the return of Washington’s core, coupled with impact transfers, will help boost the Huskies offense to new heights.

Defense

Defense has been the Huskies specialty under Lake. They return eight starters, including outside linebackers Jeremiah Martin and Ryan Bowman. In addition, Jackson Sirmon anchors the defense at middle linebacker with Edefuan Ulofoshio. Oklahoma transfer Brendan Radley-Hiles looks to have a breakout year at nickel corner with Trent McDuffie and Cameron Williams back in the secondary.

Special Teams

Washington’s special teams unit has been one of the most inconsistent groups in college football. After a disappointing finished at No. 121 in 2018, the Huskies turned things around by finishing No. 7 in 2019. However, the regression in 2020 brought them all the way back to No. 125. Peyton Henry looks to return to his 2019 form at kicker while punter Race Porter hopes to see dramatic improvement from his 29.1-yard net average last season.

Coaches

Lake enters second season as head coach at Washington after taking over for Chris Peterson in 2020. John Donovan enters his second year as offensive coordinator after four years as an NFL assistant. Co-defensive coordinators Bob Gregory and Ikaika Malloe will work with Lake on that side of the ball. In addition, Keith Bhonapha has been promoted from running back coach to special teams coordinator.

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