Michael Penix is returning to the Huskies for the 2023 season. We haven’t even reached bowl season, but as a husky fan, it’s hard for me not to look forward to next season already. We have the Alamo Bowl to look forward to against number 20 Texas, where a win is definitely expected.
Some other players may leave but it’s hard for me to not feel overly optimistic about him returning.
Because he is returning, I fully expect a conference championship next year. Going 12-1 certainly does not feel out of the question with the way Kalen DeBoar has turned around this team around so quickly. Our defense will come back better with another year to improve the talent and fix mistakes.
The offense is expected to come back just as efficient and explosive, Rome Odunze is questionable to return because he could be a first or second round pick in the NFL draft. If I was him I would leave to not risk the injury. Jalen McMillan is also eligible for the draft but expected to stick around. As a Dawgs fan, I selfishly want them both to stick around and run it back. Remember, we were one very unfortunate loss to Arizona State from being in the conference championship as an 11-1 team.
So What Should Be Expected?
Another fantastic season! We should be considered a dark-horse playoff contender, and definitely a top team in the conference title game race. If our defense can even get a little better, and the offense can keep up the consistency, then the sky is the limit.
Now let’s not put to much pressure on them because during the 2021 season there were talks of an undefeated playoff season and we all know how that turned out. Let’s keep our expectations realistic and remember there is a much greater shot of making the playoff in 2 seasons with the 12 team playoff finally being approved.