Has Washington won a national championship in football? History of the Huskies explained.

Welcome to 2024, the last year of the current four-team College Football Playoff.

Next season, the playoff expands to a whopping 12 teams, which means — theoretically at least — that even more conferences will be able to participate.

But for this year, it’s undefeated Michigan against undefeated Washington on Monday, Jan. 9, a preview of … another Big Ten game to come in October.

The Wolverines, of course, are considered one of college football’s bluebloods. But what about the Huskies? Has Washington ever won a national championship? It kind of depends who you ask …

Washington Huskies linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, left, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. hold up the trophy after winning the Sugar Bowl, the second semifinal in the College Football Playoff, on Jan. 1, 2024.

Washington ‘wins’ 1960 and 1991 national championships

Important history note: Until the BCS started in 1998, there was no official national championship game. Teams were named champs, or claimed national championships based on their final poll ranking — with typically both the coaches’ poll, administered solely or jointly by USA TODAY since 1991, and the Associated Press (AP) poll carrying the most weight. (This practice still continues today, much to the chagrin of many college football fans. Anyone remember UCF after the 2017 season?)

In 1960, after beating Minnesota 17-7 in the Rose Bowl and finishing with a record of 10-1, Washington was named the national champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation.

Never heard of the Helms Foundation? You’re probably under the age of 60. Founded in 1936 by Paul H. Helms and Bill Schroeder, the Los Angeles-based organization aimed to promote athletics and sportsmanship and regularly named a college football and basketball national champion, along with a handful of other awards. When the Helms…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/washington-won-national-championship-football-130118116.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-01-04 13:01:18

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