The Washington Huskies AD used his platform to speak his mind earlier in the year. Having the bully pulpit has both positive and negative aspects. Your message can be always amplified, sometimes for good, and other times for bulletin material. Little did he know that some of his words that were directed the two teams that day would go on to include their opponent in the college football playoff matchup against his school.
Washington Huskies Facing Texas, A School Of Large Storied Financial Backing
Newly minted Washington Huskies athletic director Troy Dannen made headway during an interview. His remarks as a recent newcomer to the position were read by many. What was seen by some to be an unprovoked diss at two programs, could now be regarded as a motivating force for a team and its fanbase.
Speaking on the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes, he offered the following:
If budgets won championships, Ohio State and Texas would win everything. They haven’t won much lately.
His statement does come with some truth attached to it. In terms of spending, the two schools that he mentioned rank number one and two in total revenue in athletic expenditures. Allocating over $225 million each for their programs. And he is correct in pointing out that they have not subsequently won a national championship in recent years.
Washington Huskies Spending Comparison
The Ohio State Buckeyes topped the list of college football revenue at a rounded up $252 million dollars annually. With their expenses also being the most at $225.7 million it speaks to the overall financial infrastructure that is in place in Columbus, Ohio.
The Texas Longhorns are second in both categories, not far behind. They have an annual revenue of $239.3 million, while spending a little over $225.2 million per year.
At $145.1 million of revenue, and $145.9 in expenses, the Washington Huskies have a significant gap if they want to compete with the top schools in terms of spending.
While not everything, and schools not allowed to get involved in NIL deals directly themselves, it will of course help to have more money than competing teams. And with the Washington Huskies not even being in the top ten for either category, how much of an affect does this really have on the outcome of games?
Washington Huskies Proving Themselves On The Field
Despite this spending discrepancy, the Washington Huskies have only lost two games in the past two seasons, including a win in the Alamo Bowl game against Texas last year.
Having posted a top 25 recruiting class for 2023, their recruiting class this year is ranked 26th. While these don’t mean everything, especially because a high school analysis can miss in its evaluation, it does appear that head coach Kalen DeBoer is making more out of the initial talent that he is given than others.
The AP coach of the year will have his biggest task, regardless of how the playoffs go, in replacing two year start Michael Penix Jr. next year. In his two years at Washington, he has thrown for 64 touchdowns, while only having 17 interceptions to his name.
Whether it’s transfer Will Rogers, or talented redshirt freshman Austin Mack, the Washington Huskies will look to continue to have a productive offense. This team will want to prove that they can play against the best of the country, as they face new competition in the Big Ten.