Joel Klatt makes case for Michael Penix as Heisman contender

Joel Klatt has his Heisman. On Wednesday, the FOX Sports analyst made the case for Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

“Michael Penix is a guy that is doing everything he needs to do,” Klatt said. “He leads the country in passing, he’s on an undefeated team and he’s been excellent. He’s, by the way, leading the country in passing by a lot — 353 yards per game. That’s 37 yards higher than the next closest, which is actually [LSU’s] Jayden Daniels.

“He’s leading a top-five offense. Washington’s defense is not great, very similar to Daniels in that respect. This Washington defense is 50th in scoring, but 102nd in total defense,” Klatt said. “To be undefeated, he’s had to be great all the time.”

Penix has been nothing short of spectacular. In 10 games, Penix has amassed 3,533 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while only throwing seven interceptions. The sixth-year senior has connected on 240-of-his-366 (68%) pass attempts this season.

Michael Penix puts on performances in showtime

Penix has only picked up momentum lately. In Washington’s 35-28 win over Utah on Saturday, the 6-foot-3 QB tallied 332 passing yards and two scores while throwing zero interceptions. It isn’t the first time Penix has exceeded in the spotlight this year.

“In his biggest matchup to date — Oregon against another Heisman contender — he played great,” Klatt said. “That’s another reason why, at this point, he’s gonna lead over Jayden Daniels. When he got into the biggest games against the best teams, he’s been able to play really well.”

It looks likely Penix will have to replicate his success against the Ducks. Washington and Oregon sit atop the Pac-12 rankings. If there are no upsets, the teams will meet again in the conference championship. Klatt previewed Penix’s remaining path to securing the Heisman Trophy.

“If they remain remain undefeated, that means he probably beats Oregon,” Klatt said. “It means that he gets a win over Oregon State on the road. That means that he’s going to win the Heisman trophy.

“If there’s one guy that you could say controls this entire deal, it’s Michael Penix. If he can stay undefeated, and win this thing, and win the Pac-12 and go to the playoff, then he’s taking home that trophy, and rightly so. He’s been outstanding for two straight years.”

It is a walkable path, but a treacherous one. On Saturday, Penix and his fellow Huskies will square off against No. 10 Oregon State at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.