What Is 2016 Washington Huskies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Washington Huskies football team finished with an 11-2 record, won the Pac-12 Championship, and advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals. They defeated Colorado in the conference title game and faced Alabama in the Peach Bowl.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 11-2 overall record
Won the Pac-12 Championship by defeating Colorado 41-10
Advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals (Peach Bowl)
Ranked No. 4 in the final College Football Playoff rankings
Defeated Alabama 27-20 in the Peach Bowl on January 2, 2017

Overview

The 2016 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Chris Petersen, the team achieved its best record since 2000 and captured its first conference title in over a decade.

This season marked a turning point for the Huskies program, which had struggled in previous years. The team's success was built on a dominant defense and a balanced offensive attack that propelled them into national prominence.

Record and Ranking: The Huskies finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, earning a No. 4 ranking in the final College Football Playoff selection, making them playoff-eligible.
Pac-12 Championship: On December 2, 2016, Washington defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 41-10 in the Pac-12 Championship Game, securing the conference title.
Head Coach:Chris Petersen, in his third season, led the team to its first double-digit win season since 2000 and was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year.
Key Players: Quarterback Jake Browning threw for 3,406 yards and 40 touchdowns, while linebacker Azeem Victor led the defense with 84 tackles.
Season Start: The team opened the season ranked outside the top 25 but climbed into the top 10 by mid-October after defeating Stanford and Oregon.

How It Works

The success of the 2016 Huskies stemmed from a well-balanced team structure, strategic coaching, and strong player development. Each component of the team contributed to their rise in the national rankings.

Offensive Scheme: Washington utilized a pro-style offense emphasizing short, efficient passing and a consistent ground game; running back Myles Gaskin rushed for 1,373 yards as a true freshman.
Defensive Strategy: The Huskies ran a 3-4 base defense, with linebacker Azeem Victor and safety Budda Baker forming the core of a unit that allowed just 19.1 points per game.
Special Teams: Kicker Travis Coons made 14 of 18 field goals, while the punt and kick coverage units ranked in the top 25 nationally for net yardage.
Strength and Conditioning: The program invested heavily in sports science, with year-round training contributing to improved stamina and reduced injuries.
Recruiting Pipeline: Strong in-state recruiting, particularly from Seattle and Tacoma, helped stock the roster with high-potential athletes who matured quickly.
Game Planning: Offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski tailored weekly strategies that exploited opponent weaknesses effectively.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2016 Huskies compared to other top teams in the nation during the College Football Playoff race:

Team	Record	Conference	Final CFP Rank	Bowl Result
Alabama	13-1	SEC	1	Won CFP National Championship
Clemson	12-1	ACC	2	Won CFP National Championship
Ohio State	11-2	Big Ten	3	Lost in CFP Semifinal
Washington	11-2	Pac-12	4	Lost to Alabama in Peach Bowl
Michigan	10-3	Big Ten	6	Lost to Florida in Citrus Bowl

The 2016 Washington Huskies were the only Pac-12 team selected for the College Football Playoff, highlighting the conference's declining influence compared to the SEC and Big Ten. Despite falling to Alabama 24-7 in the Peach Bowl semifinal, their season represented a major program resurgence.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a landmark moment for Washington football, re-establishing the program as a national contender after years of mediocrity. It also signaled a shift in Pac-12 power dynamics and elevated recruiting interest in the state.

National Recognition: The Huskies reached No. 4 in the CFP rankings, their highest since the BCS era, boosting national visibility.
Recruiting Boost: Following the season, Washington signed a top-20 recruiting class in 2017, including five-star prospect Tyree Thompson.
Program Momentum: The success laid the foundation for continued competitiveness, with Washington returning to the Pac-12 title game in 2018 and 2019.
Player Development: Several players, including Budda Baker and Trent McDuffie, went on to NFL careers, validating the program's training model.
Financial Impact: Bowl revenue and increased ticket sales generated over $15 million in additional athletic department revenue.
Conference Representation: Washington's playoff berth ensured the Pac-12 retained access to major bowl payouts and TV exposure.

The 2016 season remains a benchmark for Washington football, symbolizing a return to elite status and setting expectations for future success in the program's modern era.