Greg McElroy explains why 'the best is in front' of Washington

Washington returned to the level of double-digit wins a season ago in Kalen DeBoer’s first year. As great as the campaign was for the Huskies, though, Greg McElroy expects to see even better from the program this season.

McElroy discussed Washington’s upcoming season, DeBoer’s second in Seattle, on ‘Always College Football’ last week. In his opinion, the Huskies might be in for even better in 2023 than what they accomplished in 2022.

“It feels actually, to me, like Washington’s best might be right in front of them,” McElroy said.

The root of why he feels that way is what they brought back on offense. Washington brought back their offensive coordinator, quarterback, and several weapons and offensive linemen from a unit that finished Top-10 in the nation last fall with an average of 39.7 points per game.

With that kind of continuity for the Huskies, McElroy sees them having plenty of firepower again on that side of the football.

“They were able to keep Ryan Grubb, their offensive coordinator, which was a massive coup I might add, especially considering who was going after him,” said McElroy.

“They also retained Michael Penix who did have opportunities of potentially making the leap to the NFL. But I thought it was a good decision for him to come back,” McElroy said. “It’s a good quarterback class this upcoming year but, with another great season, I think Michael Penix could vault up draft boards. You look at the weapons he has back at his disposal? An outstanding wide receiver corps and a really, really solid offensive line.”

McElroy did add that the defense will need to improve on the back end for the program to accomplish anything really significant this season. Even so, with what all they have offensively, he sees Washington having a similar year to what they did a year back when they went 13-2.

Washington officially accepts invitation to join Big Ten

The situation unfolded quickly but it’s now official. Washington is off to the Big Ten in 2024.

The university announced it has accepted an invitation to join the league as the conference realignment dominoes continue to fall. Reports indicated the Big Ten’s growing interest in Washington as the week went along. Now, it will add yet another team from the West Coast.

“The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions. We are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage,” UW president Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement. “My top priority must be to do what is best for our student-athletes and our University. This move will help ensure a strong future for our athletics program.”

One of the biggest questions about the move was the future of the Apple Cup game against Washington State. Cauce made it clear Washington hopes to continue that tradition after making the jump to the Big Ten.

“We are proud of our rich history with the Pac-12. For more than a year, (we) have worked hard to find a viable path that would keep it together. I have tremendous admiration and respect for my Pac-12 colleagues. Ultimately, however, the opportunities and stability offered by the Big Ten are unmatched,” Cauce said. “Even with this move, we remain committed to the Apple Cup and to competing with WSU across all of our sports.”