USC Trojans star Caleb Williams comes into the 2023 season as the preseason favorite to win the Heisman trophy this season. But if anyone can potentially steal the award away from him, it may be Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Washington come into the season with a ton of hype, entering Saturday’s game against the Boise State Broncos as the No. 10 ranked team in the country.
Penix Jr. in particular comes into the season with a real chance to potentially win the Heisman if he has a great year. Ahead of the season, he was listed with the fifth-best odds to win the award by BetMGM, sitting at 14-1 to win the award.
His performance against Boise State should certainly help those odds, throwing for 450 yards and five touchdowns in a dominant 56-19 victory.
Michael Penix Jr is on one today🎯
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 2, 2023
Fans took notice of this ridiculous performance and believe that he could indeed win the Heisman if he continues this level of play throughout the season.
#Washington QB Michael Penix Jr today:
– 29/40 pass completions
– 450 passing yards
– 5 passing touchdowns
– 0 interceptions
– 56 points scored
– 4 players with 50+ receiving yardsHe’s made his statement as a potential Heisman candidate this season. pic.twitter.com/ufJ9Cj6NDl
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 2, 2023
🏆 Michael Penix Jr. vs #BoiseState
🐺 29/40
🐺 450 Yards
🐺 5TDs
🐺 0 INTsCan the #Washington QB put together a #Heisman campaign? 👇 pic.twitter.com/nczJ7kalBQ
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) September 2, 2023
Michael Penix Jr first half is absolutely mind blowing numbers 😲
70% Completion
264 Yards
4 Touchdowns🏆Give him the Heisman nowhttps://t.co/701rKiS5Ee
— George Jarjour (@GeorgeOnTap) September 2, 2023
Michael Penix Jr. picking up right where he left off last season, could be a special season for Washington if he can keep this up. https://t.co/94KcPJvNfJ
— Andrew Harbaugh (@MandrewNFL) September 2, 2023
Four first-half touchdown passes for Michael Penix Jr.
I know he's not the famous coach's son that transferred from a small school so the media won't hype him up but he is the best quarterback in college football.
RESPECT THIS MAN. #PenixForHeisman https://t.co/IrRUh1c4la
— Blake (@BlakeyLocks) September 2, 2023
Penix Jr. may not have the name recognition of a player like Caleb Williams or have a big-name school behind him like Texas’s Quinn Ewers. But Penix Jr. is among the top quarterbacks in college football, and many fans have known this since last season.
The Washington standout was also excellent last year, finishing with the second-most passing yards in Division 1 college football last season, ahead of players like Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
Washington and Penix Jr. will look to continue their impressive offensive output in their Week 2 matchup against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
