The Huskies will still have an opportunity to make the CFP in 2026.
After some speculation that the College Football Playoff would expand for the 2026 season, the official word came out on Friday morning: The event will stay at 12 teams for at least one more year.
Pete Thamel of ESPN had that information on social media:
About the College Football Playoff
After the computerized BCS system was knocked out following the 2013 season, the CFP took over in 2014. It started out as a four-team tournament, but was expanded to 12 beginning in 2024.
This past season, the 12 teams were: Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, Miami, James Madison, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Tulane, Ole Miss, Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma.
What it means for Washington
Well, with the event continuing to be more selective, it means that the Huskies will have a harder time making the playoff. That said, they still have a realistic chance at joining the group, as three Big Ten teams were in the field in 2025 (Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana). If the Huskies put together a good season in 2026, they'll have every chance to make noise on the national stage.
The schedule for 2026
Sept. 5 - vs. Washington State
Sept. 12 - vs. Utah State
Sept. 19 - vs. Eastern Washington
TBA - at Michigan State
TBA - at Nebraska
TBA - at Oregon
TBA - at Purdue
TBA - at USC
TBA - vs. Indiana
TBA - vs. Iowa
TBA - vs. Penn State
TBA - vs. Minnesota
The Huskies have a favorable schedule in that they avoid Ohio State and Michigan, but any time you have to go on the road to take on the reigning champs (Indiana), as well as USC and Oregon, that is a tough draw.
Biggest questions for Washington
The singular biggest question for the Huskies moving forward is how things work with quarterback Demond Williams moving forward. After re-signing with the Huskies, then trying to transfer and then going back to Montlake, Williams has a lot of fence-mending to do. If he's able to, he's one of the most talented players in the nation, and he can help usher in a special 2026 campaign.
Also on campus
--After a difficult loss against Nebraska on Wednesday, the Huskies men's hoop team is back home on Sunday afternoon against Oregon. Tip-off is 12 p.m. PT, which is just enough time before the Seahawks play in the NFC title game against the Los Angeles Rams (3:30).
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