As the Washington Huskies prepare for the annual Apple Cup, they will take a moment to honor a pivotal team in their history—the 2016 squad that made waves in college football. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Huskies' remarkable 2016 season, during which they captured the Pac-12 Championship and made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The celebration will take place on Sunday, with numerous members of the 2016 team returning to Montlake to commemorate their achievements. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Petersen, the Huskies finished the season with a 12-2 record, culminating in a challenging matchup against Alabama in the Peach Bowl, which served as the CFP Semifinal. This season was particularly significant for the program, as it represented their first ten-win season since 2000.
During their memorable run, the Huskies not only clinched the Pac-12 title—their first outright championship since 1992—but also delivered a stunning performance against their long-time rivals, the Oregon Ducks. The Huskies dominated the Ducks with a score of 70-21, ending a 13-year losing streak in this fierce rivalry.
The 2016 team featured standout players, including quarterback Jake Browning, who became the program's all-time leading passer. Browning threw for an impressive 3,430 yards and 43 touchdowns that season, showcasing his talent alongside notable receivers like Dante Pettis and John Ross, as well as tight end Will Dissly. In the backfield, running back Myles Gaskin also shone brightly, rushing for over 1,300 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Huskies boasted a formidable lineup, including defensive tackles Greg Gaines and Vita Vea, both of whom have continued their careers in the NFL. The linebacking group featured a strong rotation with players such as Azeem Victor, Keishawn Bierria, and Ben Burr-Kirven. The secondary was particularly noteworthy, led by Budda Baker, and included four players who were selected in the second round of the NFL Draft: Sidney Jones, Kevin King, and Taylor Rapp.
Following the 2016 season, the Huskies continued to build on their success, participating in prestigious bowl games such as the Fiesta Bowl and the Rose Bowl, and recently returning to the CFP in 2023. The 2016 season marked a significant resurgence for the program, which had faced challenges in the years leading up to that point.
Today, head coach Jedd Fisch finds himself in a similar position to Petersen in 2016, as he enters his third year at the helm of the program. Fisch is tasked with guiding a roster filled with promising young talent and experienced players, as they aim to replicate the success of their predecessors from a decade ago. The upcoming Apple Cup not only serves as a competitive matchup against Washington State but also as a celebration of a transformative season in Huskies football history.
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