The University of Washington football program reached 'bowl-eligible' status on Saturday afternoon by virtue of beating Illinois 42-25 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

The Huskies are now 6-2 on the season and 3-2 inside Big 10 play. The only losses they've sustained are against Ohio State and Michigan. There's a strong chance that Washington will be ranked in the next AP Top 25 poll.

The Huskes have made a bowl in each season since 2010, with the exception of the COVID 2020 season and the 2021 campaign.

2024: Lost Sun Bowl to Louisville

2023: Lost to Michigan in College Football Playoff title game

2022: Beat Texas in Alamo Bowl

2021: None

2020: COVID 

2019: Beat Boise State in Las Vegas Bowl

2018: Lost Rose Bowl to Ohio State

2017: Lost to Penn State in Fiesta Bowl

2016: Lost to Alabama in Peach Bowl

2015: Beat Southern Miss in Heart of Dallas Bowl

2014: Lost to Oklahoma State in Cactus Bowl

2013: Beat BYU in the Fight Hunger Bowl

2012: Lost to Boise State in Las Vegas Bowl

2011: Lost to Baylor in Alamo Bowl

2010: Beat Nebraska in Holiday Bowl

The Huskies got ahead of Illinois (No. 23) 14-3 in the first quarter but it was just a 21-17 lead at the half. Washington outscored the visitors 21-8 in the second half to roll to the victory.

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. continued to impress, going 26-of-33 for 280 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

The team ran for 157 yards in total, with Jonah Coleman getting 75 and a touchdown. Williams added 66 on 10 carries.

Furthermore, receiver Denzel Boston had a big day, catching 10 balls for 153 yards and a score. He also threw a touchdown pass as well.

Washington will have Halloween weekend off before taking on Wisconsin in Madison on Nov. 8. The Huskies have a favorable schedule coming, with three games against unranked teams before ending the regular season on Nov. 29 against No. 6 Oregon. That game will be played in Seattle as well. None of those game times are known yet.