Top Returning Huskies: At No. 2, Odunze Out to Get Hands on Lots of Passes, Maybe Championship

The UW junior receiver is ready to prove he's one of the best players in the country.

From his SportsCenter top 10 catch in the 2021 Apple Cup to hauling in nearly every pass thrown his way last season, Rome Odunze has shown he's capable of just about anything.

After deciding to forgo the most recent NFL draft, the University of Washington wide receiver returned for his junior season on Montlake this fall. 

One reason: He wants to make a run at a national championship.

For the Huskies to accomplish that lofty goal, Odunze and fellow receiver  Jalen McMillan will need to play a pivotal role. Odunze is so vital to this team, we rank him No. 2 among the UW's top 10 returning players.

The pass-catching duo, both 4-star recruits, came to the program together as part of the 2020 recruiting class and have maintained a competitive relationship over the course of their UW careers.

During fall camp ,UW wide-receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard shared how Odunze had run the fastest 40-yard dash time of any player in their position group, reportedly 4.39, to narrowly beat out McMillan. These two like to push each other.

“There’s zero question, zero question it is competitive in every single thing we do,” Shephard said. “I mean, eating hot dogs it gets competitive. Showing up on time is starting to get competitive. That’s the beauty of it. It’s competitive in all senses, not just on the field. I think that piece of it is flowing over into all the things that we do.”

Budding reporter Edefuan Ulofoshio got a question to Rome Odunze after practice Saturday pic.twitter.com/pkvnXgDQix

— Lars Hanson (@LarsHanson) August 5, 2023

When it comes to game production, Odunze and McMillan combined for 154 receptions, more than any other receiving duo in college football last season, with their total three more than Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.

Odunze led the team in 2022 with 1,145 receiving yards while McMillan finished with more receptions at 79 and touchdown catches at 9.

Before the UW began fall camp, each player wrote on a small sign what they were thankful for and what they want to be when they grow up. Odunze said he wanted to be a quarterback.

“That’s right,” he said with a laugh. “I think quarterback is a fun position. It’s tough in football because you’re always dependent on someone else to make a play so you can make a play. I’m sure it’s a lot of fun for Mike to be back there and be the playmaker in a lot of senses.”

Odunze, however, won't be changing positions any time, soon. He's way too good at catching passes, rather than throwing them.

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