Michael Penix Jr. 'thankful' for historic season at Washington, eager for College Football Playoff

Michael Penix Jr. had arguably the best season of his career and his time at Washington isn’t over yet. The Huskies’ quarterback was a Heisman finalist, but has a College Football Playoff game on tap Monday.

No. 2 Washington takes on No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day with a spot in the national title game on the line. The Huskies also have an opportunity to keep the perfect season going.

Penix Jr. transferred from Indiana prior to 2022 and only got better. It could all pay off here during his final go ‘round.

“It meant a lot because it’s come with a lot of team success,” Penix Jr. told On3. “Being able to be part of such a great program and great team are what I’m most thankful for. All the work that we put in behind the scenes and to see the fruits of it come to fruition on gameday is the ultimate joy.”

This season, Penix Jr. threw for 4,218 yards, 33 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 65.9% completion percentage. In two years at Washington, he threw for 8,859 yards, 64 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and a 63.3% completion percentage.

Michael Penix Jr. could go out with a bang in CFP

But to get to this point wasn’t easy. Washington had to dispatch Oregon twice, one in the regular season and again in the Pac-12 Championship.

Many considered the Ducks the best team in the conference despite the head-to-head loss to the Huskies.

But thanks to some clutch throws by Penix Jr. in both games, leading to winning scores, Washington came out on top, 13-0 and Pac-12 champions.

“I think it all boils down to preparation,” Penix Jr. said. “When you prepare and put the work in then you’re ready for any moment that the game brings you. Also, I have the utmost confidence in my guys to make plays in the biggest moments. So I just try to give those guys a chance to be the great players that they are.”

It’s tough to beat the pairing of Penix Jr. and head coach Kalen DeBoer right now. It was basically a match made in heaven to get Washington to the College Football Playoff.

“I love Coach DeBoer,” Penix Jr. said. “We have a special relationship and I have so much respect for the man that he is and how he leads our team. He’s much more than a Coach to me. He’s invested in me and I’m thankful to have him in my life. He’s been a huge part of my journey and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach.”

Players that are as clutch as Penix Jr. don’t let the moment get to them. As he walks out of the tunnel Monday night, it’s business as usual against Texas.

“Let’s play,” he said.