Rome Odunze has been one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football in 2023. While he had to overcome substantial obstacles early in his Washington Huskies career, he was part of the offensive renaissance that led the program to a Pac-12 title and the College Football Playoffs this last year.
Odunze’s college stats showcase a career that has produced at the highest level while also showing athleticism, determination, and leadership.
Rome Odunze’s Freshman Season Showcases Adaptability
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Odunze, a highly touted four-star recruit and the Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2019, showcased his adaptability in his freshman year at Washington.
Despite the Huskies’ reduced season, playing just four games, Odunze made a significant impact. He saw the field in all four games and made his first career reception against the Oregon State Beavers.
However, his most productive game of his freshman season came against Stanford. Odunze made his first start and had five catches for 69 yards, leading the Huskies in both categories.
Receptions: 6
Receiving Yards: 72
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Rushing Attempts: 3
Rushing Yards: -16
Rushing Touchdowns: 0
Increased Playing Time in Odunze’s Sophomore Season
Odunze faced a setback early in his sophomore season due to an injury, causing him to miss the first three games. However, when he returned to the field, he demonstrated the resilience and determination that Husky fans had come to expect from him.
Making seven starts in nine appearances, Odunze registered 415 yards and four touchdowns in 2021. The Washington receiver’s first career touchdown came against UCLA as part of a four-reception, 58 yards, and one-touchdown performance.
Odunze finished third in receiving yards but jointly led the team alongside Terrell Bynum for the most receiving touchdowns. While Odunze flashed, the Washington team had a stuttering 2021 season that led to Jimmy Lake’s firing.
Receptions: 41
Receiving Yards: 415
Receiving Touchdowns: 4
Rushing Attempts: 2
Rushing Yards: 13
Rushing Touchdowns: 0
Personnel Changes Boost Odunze’s Production
Odunze truly arrived as an elite wide receiver in the college game during the 2022 season. He thrived under the guidance of new head coach Kalen DeBoer and with the support of new quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Huskies finished 11-2 on the season, with a significant boost from Odunze’s offensive production.
Odunze led the team and the Pac-12 with 1,145 receiving yards, ranking fifth in program history for the most yards in a single season. In eight starts over 12 games, the receiver racked up six games with 100 yards or more.
He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and was voted the school’s Offensive Skill Player of the Year.
Receptions: 75
Receiving Yards: 1,145
Receiving Touchdowns: 7
Rushing Attempts: 3
Rushing Yards: 6
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Punt Returns: 1
Punt Return Yards: 0
Odunze’s Monster Senior Season
Odunze took his career to new heights in 2023. The Huskies entered the season as one of the top teams in the nation and dominated the Pac-12 on the way to making the College Football Playoff.
The dynamic offensive attack was at the forefront of Washington’s ascendancy as Odunze proved why he was already considered one of the top returning wide receivers in the country.
Odunze took his career to new heights in his senior season, leading the nation with 1,640 receiving yards and setting a new program record. His 92 receptions were the second most in Huskies history, demonstrating his dominance over opposing defenses.
In 2023 alone, Odunze had 10 games with 100-plus receiving yards as the receiver stepped up in the biggest moments. He had eight catches for 102 yards in the Pac-12 Championship Game before performing in the playoffs.
Odunze had six catches for 125 yards in Washington’s semifinal victory over Texas and five catches for 87 yards in the national championship game, which the Huskies ultimately lost to Michigan.
KEEP READING: 2024 Washington Huskies Football Roster
Odunze again won the school’s Offensive Skill Player of the Year Award. He also finished third in the Biletnikoff voting and earned first-team All-Pac-12 recognition.
Receptions: 92
Receiving Yards: 1,640
Receiving Touchdowns: 13
Rushing Attempts: 2
Rushing Yards: 37
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Punt Returns: 2
Punt Return Yards: 87
Punt Return Touchdowns: 1
Kick Returns: 2
Kick Return Yards: 17
Odunze’s Final College Stats
Receptions: 214
Receiving Yards: 3,272
Receiving Touchdowns: 24
Rushing Attempts: 10
Rushing Yards: 40
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Punt Returns: 3
Punt Return Yards: 87
Punt Return Touchdowns: 1
Kick Returns: 2
Kick Return Yards: 17
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