Will Johnson is preparing for what he expects to be the ultimate challenge in a matchup against Washington’s elite group of receivers.

In Monday’s CFP National Championship, Johnson and the Wolverine defense will face a Husky offense that averaged 350 yards through the air this season. While quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is the man who makes things go, he has a host of NFL-caliber receivers to spread the ball to.

During Saturday’s media day, Johnson admitted it’s going to be “a fun matchup” against Washington. He even believes the Huskies present the best unit of receivers Michigan has faced.

That’s particularly notable considering Michigan has also faced Ohio State’s offense led by Biletnikoff Award winner Marvin Harrison Jr.:

“It’s definitely going to be a fun matchup. It’s probably as a group the best receiving core we’ve faced,” Johnson said. “We just have to go out there and do what we’ve been doing all year. Execute, trust Coach Minter’s game plan and I think we will be in good positions.”

Washington’s entire receiving group is tough, but Rome Odunze is the best in the room. He led the Huskies with over 1,500 receiving yards and averaged 17.9 yards per catch on his way to 13 receiving touchdowns.

As for what makes Odunze so dangerous, Johnson pointed to Washington’s ability to create mismatches and get Odunze open regularly. Penix’s ability to put the ball in good spots also creates challenges according to Johnson.

“They have a great scheme. They know how to get him open a lot and put him in the right position a lot of the time. Penix is a great quarterback and puts the ball in good spots for him, too,” explained Johnson. “He has pretty good ball skills. He tracks the ball well, has good hands. I mean, he’s the reason why he has so many receiving yards this year is he’s an elite receiver.”

Overall, Johnson does see a QB in Penix who throws “a lot of 50/50 balls” with hopes for his receivers to go make plays. While that is still tough to defend against this group of Huskies, Johnson says he is excited for the matchup and a chance to make something happen when opportunities come his way.

Michigan’s leading cornerback, Johnson has 3 interceptions, including a pick-6 against Minnesota. He also served as the main cover man opposite of Marvin Harrison Jr. and recorded an early interception to set the tone against Ohio State.

We’ll see how Johnson and the rest of the Michigan defense fare with a national title on the line.