Washington was fired up after a 27-20 win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl Thursday night. And deservedly so. With the victory, UW captured just the fifth 11-win season in program history. Vibes were immaculate.

And Husky wideout Jalen McMillan thinks they’re only going up.

“I think we’re going to win a natty (next season),” McMillan said after the game, per The Seattle Times’ Matt Calkins. “I’m going to call for a natty.”

That’s as bold as it gets. The Pac-12 hasn’t been to the College Football Playoff since 2016 — it was Washington that made the appearance.

And UW can head into the offseason feeling like it was an early-season loss in Tempe away from making it back to the CFP. Truth be told, how different would the closing stretch in Seattle have been if a 45-38 loss to Arizona State hadn’t occurred?

Would UW have been in Ohio State’s spot? The Huskies beat a ranked Oregon State team, then went on the road and beat a top-10 Oregon team, then smacked Colorado, then went on the road again to beat a quality Washington State team in a trophy game.

The Huskies are bringing back quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the 2023 season. McMillan is also coming back, as is left tackle Troy Fautanu, tight end Devin Culp, and tailback Richard Newton on the offensive side of the football. Wideout Rome Odunze could return as well.

College football’s best passing game this season was found inside Husky Stadium. UW will look for bigger and better things in 2023.