As a true freshman at Washington in 2020, Odunze played in four games and had six receptions for 72 yards. As a sophomore in 2021, he started seven of nine games, recording 41 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns.[6][7] He returned to Washington as a starter in 2022.[8]
As a junior in 2022, Odunze led the team in receiving yards with 1,145, the fifth-most in single-season history for Washington. He had six games going over the 100-yard mark and three games going over 150 yards.[9] He also led the Pac-12 in receiving yards and was second in receptions per game.[10][11]
On September 30, 2023, Odunze recovered an onside kick from University of Arizona kicker Tyler Loop and absorbed a hit from safety Dalton Johnson.[12] He revealed later in the season that he had suffered a broken rib and punctured lung on the play.[13] Despite the injury, Odunze played in all 15 games, which included two playoff games, and recorded 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.[14] He had ten games with over 100 receiving yards on the season. He led the NCAA in receiving yards and the Pac-12 in receptions for 2023.[15][16] He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.[17] Odunze declared for the 2024 NFL draft following Washington's loss in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.[18]
Odunze was selected by the Chicago Bears ninth overall in the 2024 NFL draft.[21] On July 16, 2024, Odunze signed his four-year rookie contract with the Bears worth $22.7 million.[22] Odunze scored his first career touchdown with a 1 yard receiving touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Odunze caught 6 passes for 112 yards and a TD in the Bears' 21–16 loss.