History of Washington Huskies football in Timeline
The University of Washington's football team, the Washington Huskies, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Originally a charter member of the Pac-12 Conference, the Huskies are slated to join the Big Ten Conference by 2024. Their home games have been hosted at the on-campus Husky Stadium since 1920.
1900: First Matchup Between Washington and Oregon
The Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks played each other for the first time in 1900.
1900: First Apple Cup Matchup
The Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars played each other for the first time in 1900.
1900: First Apple Cup Game
The first game in the annual rivalry between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars, later known as the Apple Cup, took place in 1900 and ended in a 5-5 tie.
1903: Northwest Rivals Begin Round Robin Format
The four Pacific Northwest rivals - Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington State - began playing in a round robin format for the Northwest Championship in 1903.
1907: Enoch Bagshaw Becomes Washington's First Five-Year Letterman in Football
Enoch Bagshaw graduated from the University of Washington in 1907 as the school's first five-year letterman in the history of the football program.
1908: Gil Dobie Begins Tenure as Head Coach
Gil Dobie became the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1908, leading the team to an impressive record during his time as coach.
1909: Enoch Bagshaw Begins Tenure as Everett High School's Head Coach
Enoch Bagshaw began his tenure as head coach of the Everett High School football team in 1909.
1910: Libby Names Washington 1910 Champions
Sportswriter Bill Libby designated the 1910 Washington Huskies football team as champions in his book, "Champions of College Football."
1915: End of Independent Football
After 26 seasons, Washington concluded its era as an independent in college football in 1915.
1916: Formation of the Pacific Coast Conference and First Conference Championship
The Pacific Coast Conference, the predecessor to the modern Pac-12 Conference, was formed in 1916 with Washington as one of the founding members. That same year, the Washington Huskies football team, led by coach Gil Dobie, won the PCC's inaugural conference championship.
1916: Inaugural PCC Championship Win
The Washington Huskies won the inaugural Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) championship in 1916.
1916: Joining the Pacific Coast Conference
Washington became a founding member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) in 1916, marking the beginning of their journey in conference play.
1917: Claude J. Hunt's First Stint as Head Coach
Claude J. Hunt began his first stint as head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1917.
1918: Tony Savage Serves as Head Coach
Tony Savage served as the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1918.
1919: Claude J. Hunt's Second Stint as Head Coach and Second PCC Championship
Claude J. Hunt returned for his second stint as the Washington Huskies' head coach in 1919. The team went on to win their second PCC championship that year.
1919: Enoch Bagshaw Leads Everett High School to a National Championship
Enoch Bagshaw led the Everett High School football team to a national championship in 1919.
1920: Enoch Bagshaw Leads Everett High School to Consecutive National Championships
Enoch Bagshaw led the Everett High School football team to consecutive national championships, in 1919 and 1920.
1920: Husky Stadium Opens
Husky Stadium opened in 1920 as the home football stadium for the Washington Huskies.
1920: Husky Stadium Becomes Home Field
In 1920, Husky Stadium became the Huskies' home field.
1920: Stub Allison Serves as Head Coach, the Team Moves to Husky Stadium, and Adopts the "Sun Dodgers" Nickname
Stub Allison served as the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1920. That year, the team moved to its permanent home field of Husky Stadium and adopted the nickname "Sun Dodgers," which they used until 1921.
1920: The Huskies Adopt the "Sun Dodgers" Nickname
The Washington Huskies football team adopted the nickname "Sun Dodgers" in 1920.
1921: Enoch Bagshaw Returns to Washington as Head Coach
In 1921, Enoch Bagshaw returned to the University of Washington as the school's first former player turned head coach.
1921: The Huskies Retire the "Sun Dodgers" Nickname
The Washington Huskies football team retired the nickname "Sun Dodgers" in 1921.
1922: The Huskies Adopt Their Current Nickname
The Washington Huskies football team adopted their current nickname, the "Huskies," in 1922.
1924: First Rose Bowl Berth and Tie with Navy
The Washington Huskies football team earned their first Rose Bowl berth in 1924, facing off against Navy and ending the game with a 14-14 tie.
1925: Third PCC Championship
The Washington Huskies football team won their third PCC Championship in 1925 under head coach Enoch Bagshaw.
1926: Second Rose Bowl Berth and Loss to Alabama
The Washington Huskies football team played in their second Rose Bowl in 1926, losing to Alabama 19-20.
1929: Enoch Bagshaw's Tenure as Head Coach Ends
Enoch Bagshaw's time as head coach of the Washington Huskies ended after his 1929 team had a losing season.
1930: Washington Out Scores Opponents During Unbeaten Streak
During their NCAA all-time longest 64-game unbeaten streak, which lasted until 1930, the Washington Huskies outscored their opponents 1930-118.
1930: James Phelan Becomes Head Coach
James Phelan became the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1930.
1930: Ralph Welch Becomes Assistant Coach at Washington
Ralph Welch became an assistant coach at Washington in 1930.
1936: The 1936 Apple Cup: A Rose Bowl Decider
The 1936 Apple Cup held immense significance as the winner earned a coveted invitation to the Rose Bowl. This historic matchup set the stage for the intense rivalry between Washington and Washington State, leaving a legacy that resonated through the years, as evidenced by the comparisons drawn to the 1981 game.
1936: Fourth PCC Championship
The Washington Huskies won their fourth PCC championship in 1936 under head coach James Phelan.
1937: Loss to Pittsburgh in the Rose Bowl
The Washington Huskies lost to Pittsburgh 21-0 in the 1937 Rose Bowl.
1938: First Bowl Game Victory in the Poi Bowl
The Washington Huskies won their first ever bowl game in 1938, beating Hawaii 53-13 in the Poi Bowl.
1942: Ralph Welch Becomes Head Coach
Ralph Welch was promoted to head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1942.
1943: Third Rose Bowl Berth
The Washington Huskies football team accepted their third Rose Bowl invitation in 1943.
1944: Loss to USC in the Rose Bowl
The Washington Huskies football team lost to PCC champion USC 29-0 in the 1944 Rose Bowl.
1946: John Cherberg Becomes a Player at Washington
John Cherberg began his time as a player for the Washington Huskies football team in 1946.
1947: Ralph Welch's Tenure as Head Coach Ends
Ralph Welch's time as head coach of the Washington Huskies football team ended in 1947.
1948: Howard Odell Joins Washington as Head Coach
Howard Odell left Yale to join the Washington Huskies as head coach in 1948.
1950: First Husky Stadium Renovation
The first renovation of Husky Stadium took place in 1950.
1951: Gil Dobie Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Gil Dobie was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1951.
1952: Howard Odell's Tenure as Head Coach Ends
Howard Odell's time as the Washington Huskies head coach ended in 1952.
1952: John Cherberg's Time as Assistant Coach Ends
John Cherberg finished his time as assistant coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1952.
1953: John Cherberg Becomes Head Coach
John Cherberg became the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1953.
1955: John Cherberg's Tenure as Head Coach Ends
John Cherberg was removed as head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1955 due to a payoff scandal.
1956: First Coach to Leave for Another Program Since 1956
Steve Sarkisian's departure marked the first time a head coach voluntarily left Washington for another program since Darrell Royal in 1956.
1956: Paul "Bear" Bryant's Comments on Jim Owens
After the 1956 season, Paul "Bear" Bryant told reporters that Jim Owens "will make a great coach for somebody some day."
1956: Darrell Royal Leads the Team to a Winning Record
Darrell Royal led the 1956 Washington Huskies football team to a 5-5 record.
1957: Jim Owens Becomes Head Coach at Washington
Jim Owens was hired as the head coach of the Washington Huskies football team in 1957.
1957: John Cherberg Becomes Washington State's Longest Serving Lieutenant Governer
John Cherberg became Washington state's longest serving Lieutenant Governor in 1957.
1958: End of the PCC Era
The year 1958 marked the end of an era for the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC).
1959: Formation of Athletic Association of Western Universities
The Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) was established in 1959.
1959: Winning Streak Begins
The Jim Owens era began with a pair of unremarkable seasons, but his 1959 team went on to be the first of three championship winning teams in a row.
1960: Helms Athletic Foundation Recognizes Washington
After defeating Minnesota in the 1961 Rose Bowl, the Helms Athletic Foundation declared Washington as the 1960 national champions, even though Minnesota was the AP and UPI national champion.
1960: Washington's Improbable Journey to Championship
The 1960 Washington Huskies football team had an unlikely path to victory. Despite losing to Navy early in the season, the team won eight consecutive games, including a win against No. 1 Minnesota in the 1961 Rose Bowl. This victory earned them the national championship title from the Helms Athletic Foundation.
1960: First AAWU Championship and Rose Bowl Victory against Wisconsin
The 1960 Washington Huskies football team won the AAWU championship and defeated Wisconsin 44-8 in the Rose Bowl.
1960: Washington Claims First National Championship
Washington claims its first national championship title in 1960.
1961: Washington Wins the Rose Bowl
Washington triumphed over Minnesota in the 1961 Rose Bowl.
1961: Washington Wins the Rose Bowl
Washington emerged victorious in the 1961 Rose Bowl.
1961: Second AAWU Championship and Rose Bowl Victory against Minnesota
The 1961 Washington Huskies football team won the AAWU championship and defeated Minnesota 17-7 in the Rose Bowl.
1963: Governor Presents Apple Cup Trophy
Beginning in 1963, the winner of the annual Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State has been awarded the Apple Cup trophy by the state's governor.
1963: Third AAWU Championship
The Washington Huskies football team won their third AAWU championship in 1963.
1964: Loss to Illinois in the Rose Bowl
The Washington Huskies football team lost 17-7 to Illinois in the 1964 Rose Bowl.
1967: End of the AAWU
The Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) dissolved in 1967.
1968: The Pacific-8 Conference is Formed
The Pacific-8 Conference came into existence in 1968.
1968: Rothman/FACT Math System Introduced
The Rothman/FACT math system, used for determining college football rankings, was implemented in 1968.
1968: Huskies Install Astroturf Field
The Washington Huskies became the first major collegiate team to install an Astroturf field in 1968.
1973: James Phelan Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
James Phelan was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
1973: Huskies Wear Purple Helmets
The Washington Huskies wore purple helmets for the 1973 and 1974 seasons.
1974: Owens Resigns as Head Coach
Jim Owens resigned as the head coach of the Washington Huskies in 1974. He left as the Pac-8's third winningest coach of all-time.
1974: Huskies Wear Purple Helmets
The Washington Huskies wore purple helmets for the 1973 and 1974 seasons.
1975: Conference Allows Second Bowl Team Representative
In 1975, the conference lifted its restriction on a second bowl team representative, impacting the potential success of Owens' later teams.
1975: Don James Introduces New Uniforms
In his first year as head coach, Don James introduced new uniforms for the Washington Huskies, modeled after the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, that featured metallic gold helmets with a purple block "W".
1975: Washington's Dramatic Comeback in the 1975 Apple Cup
The 1975 Apple Cup witnessed a thrilling finish as Washington, trailing 27-14 with just three minutes remaining, staged a remarkable comeback. Al Burleson's 93-yard interception return for a touchdown, followed by Spider Gaines's game-winning 78-yard touchdown reception, secured a 28-27 victory for Washington, leaving a lasting impact on the rivalry and leading to WSU Head Coach Jim Sweeney's resignation.
1975: Pacific-8 Allows Second Bowl Team
The Pacific-8 Conference began allowing a second team from the conference to participate in bowl games in 1975.
1976: Warren Moon Begins Tenure as Washington Huskies Quarterback
Warren Moon began his time as quarterback for the Washington Huskies in 1976, marking the beginning of a long line of successful NFL quarterbacks to come from the school.
1977: Conclusion of the Pacific-8 Conference
In 1977, the Pacific-8 Conference came to an end.
1977: Beginning of Washington Huskies' 27 Consecutive Non-Losing Seasons
In 1977, the Washington Huskies football team began a streak of 27 consecutive non-losing seasons, the most of any team in the Pac-12 and the 14th longest streak by an NCAA Division I-A team.
1977: Warren Moon Shares Pac-8 Player of the Year
Warren Moon shared Pac-8 Player of the Year honors with Guy Benjamin in 1977.
1978: Birth of the Pacific-10 Conference
The Pacific-10 Conference was formed in 1978.
1980: Last Victory at USC
The 1991 victory marked Washington's first win at USC since 1980.
1981: The 1981 Apple Cup: A High-Stakes Matchup
The 1981 Apple Cup, a matchup between 14th-ranked Washington State and 17th-ranked Washington, was a highly anticipated event, drawing comparisons to the historic 1936 game that determined the Rose Bowl participant. Washington's formidable defense faced off against WSU's potent offense, with the Huskies needing a win and a USC upset over UCLA to secure their spot in the Rose Bowl.
1982: Owens Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
Jim Owens was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1982.
1983: Darrell Royal is Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Darrell Royal was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
1983: Pac-8 Names Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year
The Pac-8 Conference began naming Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in 1983.
1984: Miami's Unbeaten Streak Against Non-Florida Teams at Home
Adding to their impressive home record, the Miami Hurricanes had not suffered a defeat against a team from outside of Florida at the Orange Bowl since 1984, highlighting their dominance against non-conference opponents on their home field. This streak, combined with their overall home winning streak, made them a heavy favorite against the visiting Washington Huskies.
1984: Washington Football Receives National Recognition
NCAA-designated "major selectors" recognized Washington's football team for their performance in 1984.
1984: Washington's Memorable Season and Orange Bowl Victory
The 1984 Washington Huskies started their season strong with a 9-0 record, including a win against No. 4 Michigan. Despite a loss against USC, they secured a spot in the Orange Bowl against the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners, ultimately winning 28-17 after a controversial Sooner Schooner incident.
1984: Washington's Rose Bowl Hopes Dashed by USC Upset
The 1984 Washington Huskies, ranked No. 1 in October, suffered a setback when they lost to USC at the Coliseum. Despite finishing the season with a 10-1 record, the loss to USC, who ended up ranked No. 18, cost Washington the Pac-10 championship and a Rose Bowl berth, highlighting the significance of head-to-head results in college football.
1985: Miami's Home Dominance at the Orange Bowl
Leading up to the 1994 clash with Washington, the Miami Hurricanes boasted an impressive NCAA record 58-game home winning streak at the Orange Bowl, a testament to their dominance on their home turf. Their last loss at the Orange Bowl occurred in 1985, further solidifying their reputation as a formidable opponent, especially in their home stadium.
1985: Lou Gellermann Becomes Public Address Announcer
Lou Gellermann became the public address announcer for Washington Huskies football games in 1985.
1987: Second Husky Stadium Renovation
The second renovation of Husky Stadium took place in 1987.
1989: John Cherberg Dies
John Cherberg died in 1989.
1989: Beginning of Attendance Streak
The Washington Huskies began a streak of leading the Pac-10 Conference in game attendance in 1989.
1990: Start of 22-Game Winning Streak
The Washington Huskies began a 22-game winning streak in 1990, showcasing their dominance during this period.
1990: Start of Three Consecutive Rose Bowl Appearances
The Washington Huskies began a streak of three consecutive appearances in the Rose Bowl in 1990.
1990: Washington's Dominant Season and Rose Bowl Win
In 1990, the Washington Huskies, known for their strong defense, defeated No. 5 USC with a score of 31-0. Despite a loss against Colorado, they maintained an average of over 40 points per game while conceding only 14. Despite losing to UCLA, they went on to win their fifth Rose Bowl title against Iowa, concluding the season with a 9-2 record.
1990: Split National Championship and Rankings
The AP awarded the 1990 national championship to Colorado, while the UPI chose Georgia Tech. Despite ranking 5th in the AP poll, the Rothman/FACT math system recognized Washington as co-national champions alongside Colorado, Georgia Tech, and Miami, a title that Washington does not claim.
1990: Washington's 1990 Team Recognized
NCAA-designated "major selectors" acknowledged the Washington Huskies football team for their accomplishments in 1990.
1990: The 1990 USC-Washington Game: A Memorable Chapter in the Rivalry
The 1990 USC-Washington game held special significance, as it marked a continuation of the trend where the winner earned a trip to the Rose Bowl, a pattern seen in 10 of the previous 13 seasons. The game, played in front of a large crowd and under sunny skies, was a testament to the enduring legacy of both programs. The halftime introduction of Washington's All-Centennial team, along with inspiring speeches by alumni Hugh McElhenny and Nesby Glasgow, added to the memorable atmosphere.
1991: Washington's Dominant 1991 Season
The 1991 Washington Huskies football team had a strong start with a win against Stanford and a comeback victory against No. 9 Nebraska. The return of QB Mark Brunell from injury further strengthened the team. They secured victories against Kansas State, Arizona, and Toledo, followed by a close win against No. 7 California. Continuing their winning streak, they defeated Oregon, Arizona State, USC (their first win there since 1980), and Oregon State. Their dominance continued with a win against Washington State in the Apple Cup.
1991: Rose Bowl Victory and MVP Honors
Washington's strong defense, led by award-winning player Steve Emtman, limited Michigan's offense during the 1991 Rose Bowl. The Huskies, with quarterbacks Mark Brunell and Billy Joe Hobert, achieved a 34-14 victory. Hobert and Emtman were both awarded MVP.
1991: Washington Huskies' Only Consensus National Championship
The Washington Huskies achieved their only consensus national championship in 1991, as they secured the No. 1 ranking in the Coaches' Poll.
1991: Washington Achieves National Recognition and Split Title
The 1991 Washington Huskies football team, ranked No. 1 by the Coaches Poll, earned The Coaches' Trophy, the NFF MacArthur Bowl, and the FWAA Grantland Rice Trophy. However, the AP Poll selected Miami (FL) as their national champion, resulting in a split title.
1991: Washington's Dominant Offense and Defense
The 1991 Washington Huskies football team showcased an impressive season, averaging over 41 points per game and limiting their opponents to less than 10 points per game. Their performance included two shutouts.
1991: Washington Upsets Miami in the "Whammy in Miami"
In a stunning turn of events, the Washington Huskies overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Hurricanes 38-20 in the "Whammy in Miami." This upset victory, fueled by a dominant second-half performance that included a 75-yard touchdown pass, a 34-yard interception return, and a fumble recovery, snapped Miami's 58-game home winning streak and reportedly prompted safety Lawyer Milloy to shout "Take the rings back," referencing the shared 1991 National Championship. The Huskies' performance showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, cementing their place in college football history.
1991: Washington and Miami's Shared National Championship
In 1991, both Washington and Miami achieved an undefeated 12-0 season, leading to a split National Championship as different polls crowned each team as the nation's best. This unprecedented outcome, with both teams unable to compete for a definitive title due to bowl game commitments, cemented their places in college football history and fueled the desire for a future matchup.
1991: Washington Wins Second National Championship
In 1991, Washington secured its second claimed national championship title.
1991: Washington Huskies Shared National Championship
Don James' 1991 Washington Huskies team had a perfect 12-0 season and shared the national championship with Miami.
1991: Don James Wins National Coach of the Year
Don James received national coach of the year honors in 1991, adding to his previous awards in 1977 and 1984.
January 1, 1992: Rose Bowl Victory and National Championship Contention
On January 1, 1992, Washington faced Michigan in the Rose Bowl, winning 34-14. While they were voted national champions by the USA Today/CNN Coaches Poll, the Miami Hurricanes secured the top spot in the AP Poll.
1992: Husky Stadium Sets NCAA Noise Record
During a 1992 game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Husky Stadium recorded a noise level of 135 decibels, the loudest mark in NCAA history.
1992: Improper Benefits Scandal Revealed
During the 1992 season, a scandal involving Washington Huskies players receiving improper benefits from boosters came to light, leading to sanctions from the NCAA and Pac-10 Conference.
1992: End of Three Consecutive Rose Bowl Appearances
The Washington Huskies made their third consecutive appearance in the Rose Bowl, marking the end of their streak, in 1992.
1992: End of 22-Game Winning Streak
The Washington Huskies' 22-game winning streak, which began in 1990, came to an end in 1992.
August 22, 1993: Don James Resigns Amidst Sanctions
On August 22, 1993, Don James resigned from his position as head coach in protest of the sanctions imposed on the Huskies football program due to players receiving improper benefits.
September 24, 1994: The "Whammy in Miami": A Clash of National Champions
On September 24, 1994, a highly anticipated matchup dubbed the "Whammy in Miami" took place between the Washington Huskies and the Miami Hurricanes at Miami's Orange Bowl. The game marked the first meeting between the two schools, both of whom had finished the 1991 season undefeated and claimed a share of the National Championship. Unable to settle the score on the field in 1991 due to bowl game commitments, the two powerhouse programs agreed to a future series, adding to the significance of the 1994 clash.
1995: Huskies Debut Solid Purple Helmets
The Washington Huskies wore solid purple helmets with a gold "W" from 1995 to 1998 under coach Jim Lambright.
1996: Washington's Last Win at the Coliseum Before 2010
Before their victory in 2010, the Washington Huskies had last emerged victorious at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1996. The team's struggles at the historic venue spanned over a decade, making their 2010 win a significant accomplishment.
1997: Don James Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
Don James was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
1997: End of Attendance Streak
The Washington Huskies led the Pac-10 Conference in game attendance for the ninth consecutive season, ending their streak, in 1997.
1998: Jim Lambright Fired as Head Coach
Despite leading the Huskies to four bowl appearances in six seasons, Jim Lambright was fired as head coach after a 6-6 season in 1998.
1998: Huskies End Use of Solid Purple Helmets
The Washington Huskies stopped wearing solid purple helmets with a gold "W" after the 1998 season.
2000: FieldTurf Installation at Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium installed FieldTurf prior to the 2000 season.
September 2001: Dempsey Indoor Opens
The Dempsey Indoor, an 80,000-square-foot indoor practice facility, opened in September 2001 for use by the Washington Huskies football, softball, baseball, and soccer teams.
2001: Washington Huskies Win Rose Bowl
Rick Neuheisel's Huskies defeated Purdue in the 2001 Rose Bowl.
2002: Huskies Claim Inaugural "Northwest Championship"
Rick Neuheisel's Huskies secured the inaugural "Northwest Championship" in 2002 by winning against their Pacific Northwest rivals.
June 2003: Rick Neuheisel Fired After NCAA Violations
Rick Neuheisel was fired in June 2003 for his involvement in a calcutta pool for the 2003 Men's NCAA basketball tournament, violating NCAA regulations.
2003: Keith Gilbertson's First Season as Head Coach
Keith Gilbertson, in his first year as head coach, led the Huskies to a 6-6 record in 2003 but did not qualify for a bowl appearance.
2003: End of Washington Huskies' 27 Consecutive Non-Losing Seasons
The Washington Huskies football team's streak of 27 consecutive non-losing seasons ended in 2003.
2004: Gilbertson Fired After 1-10 Season
Following a 1-10 record in 2004, marking only the second such record for Washington since World War II, Keith Gilbertson was fired.
March 2005: Neuheisel Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Rick Neuheisel reached a $4.5 million settlement in his wrongful termination lawsuit against the NCAA and Washington athletics department in March 2005.
2006: Don James Reflects on Resignation
In a 2006 interview, Don James shared his belief that his resignation from coaching likely saved his life.
2006: Rothman/FACT Math System Discontinued
The Rothman/FACT math system was discontinued in 2006.
2006: Willingham's Best Season at Washington
Tyrone Willingham achieved his best season record at Washington in 2006 with a 5-7 finish.
November 3, 2007: Washington's Last Road Victory Before 2010
Prior to their victory over USC on October 2, 2010, the Washington Huskies' last road win occurred on November 3, 2007, against Stanford. This victory marked the end of a 13-game road losing streak, highlighting the team's struggles away from home during that period.
2007: Washington Snaps Losing Streak with Dramatic Win over USC
In a thrilling matchup, the Washington Huskies ended their conference losing streak, dating back to 2007, with a hard-fought 16-13 victory over USC. Quarterback Jake Locker's clutch performance, including key conversions on third down, set up the game-winning field goal as time expired, marking a significant win for the program.
2007: Lou Gellermann's Tenure as Public Address Announcer Ends
Lou Gellermann's tenure as the public address announcer for Washington Huskies football games ended in 2007.
2008: Willingham Fired After Winless Season
After a winless 0-12 season in 2008, Tyrone Willingham was fired as head coach.
October 2, 2010: Washington Ends Road Losing Streaks with Victory over USC
On October 2, 2010, the Washington Huskies secured a momentous victory against No. 18 USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, snapping a 13-game road losing streak that dated back to November 3, 2007, and ending a winless drought at the Coliseum that had stood since 1996. The Huskies' performance showcased their resilience and ability to overcome past struggles, marking a significant step forward for the program.
2010: End of the Pacific-10 Conference
2010 marked the final year of the Pacific-10 Conference.
2010: Huskies Debut "Blackout" Theme
The Washington Huskies debuted a "blackout" theme, including black jerseys and pants, for their 2010 home finale against UCLA.
2010: Warren Moon Achieves Dual Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2010, Warren Moon, who played for the Edmonton Eskimos from 1978 to 1983, achieved the unique distinction of being inducted into both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (NFL), highlighting his exceptional career in two prominent football leagues.
November 7, 2011: Renovation of Husky Stadium Begins
Renovations for Husky Stadium began on November 7, 2011.
2011: Pac-12 Introduces Divisions
In 2011, the Pac-12 Conference introduced North and South divisions.
2011: The Pac-12 Conference Begins
The Pac-12 Conference was established in 2011.
2012: Huskies Play at CenturyLink Field
During the 2012 season, the Washington Huskies played their home games at CenturyLink Field while Husky Stadium underwent renovations.
2012: Third Husky Stadium Renovation
The third renovation of Husky Stadium took place in 2012.
August 31, 2013: Newly Renovated Husky Stadium Opens
On August 31, 2013, the Washington Huskies defeated the Boise State Broncos in the first game played in the newly renovated Husky Stadium.
October 20, 2013: Don James Passes Away
Don James passed away on October 20, 2013, at the age of 80.
December 6, 2013: Chris Petersen Hired as Head Coach
Chris Petersen was hired as the head football coach at Washington on December 6, 2013, after serving eight seasons as head coach at Boise State.
2013: Huskies Debut Chrome Gold Helmets
The Washington Huskies debuted chrome gold helmets during the 2013 season.
2013: Steve Sarkisian Leaves for USC
Steve Sarkisian left Washington after the 2013 regular season to become the head football coach at USC.
2014: Huskies Reveal New Uniform Set
The Washington Huskies revealed a new uniform set with a variety of color combinations prior to the 2014 season.
2016: Washington Reaches College Football Playoff
In 2016, Chris Petersen led the Washington Huskies to a Pac-12 title and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff, where they competed in the Peach Bowl.
April 11, 2017: Petersen Receives Contract Extension
On April 11, 2017, Chris Petersen's coaching contract was extended through 2023, with a reported annual salary of $4.875 million.
October 27, 2017: Bronze Statue of Don James Unveiled
On October 27, 2017, the University of Washington honored Don James with a bronze statue unveiled at Husky Stadium.
2017: Bob Rondeau Retires
Bob Rondeau, the "Voice of the Huskies," retired in 2017 after announcing Washington football games for over 30 years.
2017: Chrome Purple Helmets Added to Uniform Set
Chrome purple helmets were added to the Washington Huskies' uniform set in 2017.
2017: Washington Plays in Fiesta Bowl
The Washington Huskies received an invitation to the Fiesta Bowl in 2017.
April 2018: Huskies Agree to Apparel Deal with Adidas
In April 2018, the University of Washington agreed to a 10-year, $119 million apparel deal with Adidas, set to begin in the summer of 2019, ending their partnership with Nike.
2018: Washington Wins Pac-12, Goes to Rose Bowl
The 2018 season saw Chris Petersen lead the Huskies to their second Pac-12 title in three years and their 15th Rose Bowl appearance.
December 2, 2019: Chris Petersen Steps Down as Head Coach
Chris Petersen announced his resignation as head coach on December 2, 2019, transitioning into an advisory role with the team.
2019: Huskies' Apparel Deal with Adidas Begins
The University of Washington's 10-year apparel deal with Adidas began in the summer of 2019.
2020: Pac-12 North Division Title, Shortened Season
Jimmy Lake, in his first full season, guided the Huskies to a 3-1 record and the Pac-12 North division title during the shortened 2020 season affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they were unable to compete in the championship game due to COVID-related absences.
November 29, 2021: Kalen DeBoer Hired as Head Coach
On November 29, 2021, Washington appointed Kalen DeBoer, former Fresno State head coach, as their new head football coach.
2021: Jimmy Lake Fired After Player Shoving Incident
Jimmy Lake was suspended and later fired during the 2021 season after an incident where he shoved a Washington player during a loss against Oregon.
2021: Pac-12 Eliminates Divisions
The Pac-12 Conference eliminated its North and South divisions following the 2021 season.
2022: Washington Football's Honored Jersey Numbers Made Available for Reissue
As of 2022, Washington Football decided to allow the reissuing of three previously "retired" jersey numbers, honoring the legacy of the players while recognizing the evolving nature of the sport. The honored players and their numbers are displayed prominently at Husky Stadium.
2022: Huskies Bowl Game Record Through 2022
As of the end of the 2022 season, the Washington Huskies held a bowl game record of 20-20-1.
2022: Washington Leads Apple Cup Series Through 2022
At the end of the 2022 season, Washington led the Apple Cup series against Washington State with a record of 75-33-6.
2022: DeBoer's First Season Success
In 2022, Kalen DeBoer led the Washington Huskies to an impressive 11-2 record in his debut season, culminating in a 27-20 victory against Texas in the Alamo Bowl.
2022: Washington Huskies' Conference Victory Ranking
Through the 2022 season, the Washington Huskies football team's 413 conference victories ranked second in conference history.
August 4, 2023: Big Ten Approves Washington and Oregon
On August 4, 2023, the Big Ten Conference officially voted to admit both Washington and Oregon as new members.
October 5, 2023: Big Ten Unveils 5-Year Conference Schedule, Including Washington
On October 5, 2023, the Big Ten Conference officially released its 5-year conference schedule, incorporating the Washington Huskies, who are set to join the conference for the 2024 season. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Washington's transition to a new conference and provides a glimpse into their future matchups.
November 19, 2023: Announcement of Football Schedules
As of November 19, 2023, football schedules were announced, providing teams and fans with a clear picture of upcoming games and opponents. These announcements are crucial for planning and generating excitement for the upcoming season.
December 3, 2023: Washington's Records Against Conference Opponents Released
On December 3, 2023, Washington released its records against conference opponents.
December 2023: Eight Washington Players Ranked in Heisman Trophy Voting
As of December 2023, eight Washington Huskies players have ranked among the top finishers in the Heisman Trophy voting.
2023: Petersen's Contract Set to Expire
Chris Petersen's contract extension, signed in 2017, was set to run through 2023.
2023: Washington Huskies' All-Time Record Ranking
As of 2023, the Washington Huskies football team's all-time record ranks 22nd by win percentage and 18th by total victories among FBS schools.
January 14, 2024: Jedd Fisch Appointed Head Coach and Conference Change
On January 14, 2024, Washington announced the hiring of former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch. The university also revealed its move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference.
August 2, 2024: Washington Joins the Big Ten
Washington officially became a member of the Big Ten Conference on August 2, 2024.
2024: Washington Huskies Join the Big Ten Conference
In 2024, the Washington Huskies football team will be joining the Big Ten Conference.
2024: DeBoer's Championship Run and Departure
Kalen DeBoer's second season in 2024 saw the Huskies achieve a 14-1 record, winning the Pac-12 championship against Oregon and the Sugar Bowl against Texas Longhorns. Despite losing to Michigan in the National Championship, DeBoer's success led him to become the head coach for Alabama, succeeding Nick Saban.
2024: 95th Season for Husky Marching Band
The 2024 season marks the 95th season for the University of Washington Husky Marching Band.
2024: Washington Joins the Big Ten Conference
Washington's move to the Big Ten Conference will officially commence in the 2024 season. This transition marks a new chapter for the program, bringing with it fresh rivalries, national exposure, and potential for growth.