Joel Klatt believes Michael Penix Jr. ‘holds all the cards’ in the Heisman race

The Heisman Trophy conversation is about to become more real with the season coming down the stretch. It could end up as an anticlimactic finish, though, based on how FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt views Michael Penix Jr.’s shot compared to everyone else’s.

Klatt examined the Heisman case for Washington’s QB1 during his show this week. As of now, he has Penix Jr. in the lead considering what he has done and what he still has in front of him in November.

“I believe that it’s Michael Penix from Washington,” stated Klatt. “The reason is is because of path and stages.”

To win The Heisman Trophy, you need the numbers and you need the wins. As Klatt pointed out, that plays right in Penix Jr.’s hands considering his statistics are directly leading to victories.

Penix Jr. has over 2,500 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only five picks on a 70.8% completion rate in 2023. That has led to a 7-0 start for the Huskies. However, in their most recent outing, Penix Jr. had no touchdowns and three total turnovers in a close call that ended up as a 15-7 win over Arizona State.

That is Klatt’s overall point. In his eyes, Penix Jr. is either going to have the statistics and Washington will be undefeated because of them or he will play poorly in November and Washington won’t be unblemished any longer.

‘Michael Penix still has the ability to go undefeated with Washington. If they do that? Remember, because of how they’re built? His numbers are going to be through the roof. He will be impossible to catch from a numbers perspective, explained Klatt. “He’s on pace for nearly 4,800 yards, over 37 touchdowns by the time that we vote in six weeks. So, if they get through the Pac-12 gauntlet? If they’re able to have this win over Oregon under their belt, if they’re able to beat USC, and go on and win this thing in the Pac-12 as an undefeated? His numbers are going to be incredible and that’s going to be your clear winner at that moment.”

“Because of the style and the path that they have? All the big games that they have coming down the stretch? If Washington is unbeaten, Michael Penix is likely going to win this award. He’s got games against USC, Utah, Oregon State – plus a Pac-12 Championship which could be, in theory, Oregon again or any of these teams,” Klatt continued. “If he goes through that gauntlet? There’s not a doubt in my mind, because of the way that they have to play, that he would win it.”

To Klatt, it’s a simple case for Penix Jr. to make. Heading into the final five games, his play and Washington’s record have already stacked the deck in his favor. The only question that’s left is if he’s going to squander the opportunity to end the season or play his hand in a way where he cashes in for the sport’s biggest prize.

“If they can remain unbeaten? It will be because he plays great and then he will win the award,” said Klatt. “That’s why I kind of start with him at number one. I think he’s the guy that holds all the cards.”

“I feel like he controls his own destiny to a certain extent,” Klatt said. “If they play well, they’re undefeated? Michael Penix is going to be the Heisman Trophy winner.”