Washington Huskies Rout Colorado Buffaloes 54-7

Transfer running back Wayne Taulapapa leads No. 15 Huskies to fifth straight win

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:04pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the powerful running movements of a football player, conveying the raw energy and intensity of the game.An emotional tribute and dominant performance by Washington's Wayne Taulapapa keep the Huskies' conference title hopes alive.Seattle Today

Washington running back Wayne Taulapapa, a transfer from Virginia, rushed for two touchdowns and 107 yards as the No. 15 Huskies defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 54-7 on Saturday. The Huskies led 33-0 at halftime and held Colorado to just 202 total yards in the game.

Why it matters

The victory keeps the Huskies in the race for a Pac-12 Conference championship berth, though they need help from other teams. It also marked a successful first season for new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who set a school record with nine wins.

The details

Taulapapa, who is mourning the recent deaths of three of his former Virginia teammates, scored on runs of 8 and 2 yards to help the Huskies build an early 21-0 lead. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a season-low 229 passing yards, but wide receiver Jalen McMillan had a 27-yard touchdown run on a double reverse. The Huskies led 33-0 at halftime and held Colorado to just 7 points, matching the Buffs' season low.

  • The Huskies improved to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in Pac-12 play with the win.
  • Washington finished the season 7-0 at home.

The players

Wayne Taulapapa

Washington running back who transferred from Virginia and rushed for two touchdowns and 107 yards in the win.

Kalen DeBoer

First-year head coach of the Washington Huskies, who set a school record with nine wins in his debut season.

Michael Penix Jr.

Washington's starting quarterback, who passed for a season-low 229 yards in the game.

Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver who had a 27-yard touchdown run on a double reverse.

J.T. Shrout

Colorado's starting quarterback, who threw a 69-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.

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What they’re saying

“Neither distance nor institutional change can ever sever the relationships and bonds we formed.”

— Wayne Taulapapa

What’s next

The Huskies will travel to rival Washington State next Saturday, while Colorado hosts No. 10 Utah.

The takeaway

This game kept the Huskies' slim Pac-12 championship hopes alive, though they'll need significant help from other teams. It also marked a successful debut season for new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who set a school record with nine wins.