uw does rank high, but the high ranking is because uw has a very solid medical school, which gets the most $$$ in research grants in the country. But there is nothing unique about a 4-year degree from uw. And I doubt many football players are in the medical program.
UW has more than just a solid med school. You're absolutely right about a bachelor's degree being no more valuable than a run of the mill degree from a directional school or branch campus though.
A BS or MS from high brow schools like Oregon State, Humboldt State, Colorado State, and even Idaho-Moscow have more prestige in my field than one from UW. No joke. Not that it really matters. Hiring decisions always come down to experience and interviews.