Rome Odunze talks about decision to return to Washington, turn down NFL Draft last year

Washington’s last season ended on Dec. 29, 2022. By January, standout wide receiver Rome Odunze was heavily considering declaring for the NFL Draft. However, Odunze decided to stay one more year. His small choice made a massive difference.

Odunze leads the team this season with 87 receptions for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns. Both ESPN and PFF project Odunze to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. And, of course, Washington has a chance to win a national title.

Ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Odunze revealed why he decided to run it back with the Huskies.

“I think this right here, you know? This moment.” Odunze said. “Having all my teammates here, having this coaching staff, and the University of Washington to be on this level, this light, which I think it belongs to be and I think I wanted to be part of that when I first came there.

“When I first committed, I said that this was one of my top goals and now it’s coming to fruition, so I think for these moments right here, that’s why we did it.”

Odunze is an NFL receiver. Standing at 6-foot-3, 213-pounds, Odunze regularly snags jump balls over defenders like he’s playing backyard football. If Odunze had entered the 2023 NFL Draft last year, he likely would have been a Day 2 pick.

Rome Odunze has confidence in his game

Nonetheless, Odunze feels like he was ready for the challenge.

“I felt ready. I really did. I definitely felt ready,” Odunze said. “I felt like I could go and compete, honestly. I think definitely I’ve improved over this last season and am even more ready now, but I felt like I was ready to go.

“I got some solid feedback [from draft scouts]. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I don’t want to be too specific, but it was some solid feedback. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, but it wasn’t terrible.”

Draft scouts are singing Odunze’s praise now. However, before the Las Vegas native can look toward the big leagues, he must finish what he started. On Monday, Washington will square off against Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET in the CFP National Championship.

Odunze has his work cut out for him. Michigan has only allowed 150 passing yards per game this season, the second-least in the country. If Odunze can dominate the Wolverines’ secondary, he will leave no doubt in his draft value.