Michael Penix Jr. shares emotional reaction to thrilling victory over Oregon

Michael Penix Jr. took the field with 2:10 to play with his team down 33-29. It was a big moment for the Washington quarterback, who was tasked with taking the offense down the field to try and beat rival Oregon at Huskie Stadium.

It only took him two plays to do so.

Penix found Ja’Lynn Polk for a 35-yard reception to get Washington to the 18-yard line. That’s when he connected with his favorite target, Rome Odunze, for the game-winning touchdown with 1:38 to play to give the Huskies the 36-33 victory over the Ducks in a thriller.

Afterward, the emotions flowed.

“I’ve just got to give credit to the man upstairs and thank God for everything,” Penix told ABC’s Holly Rowe. “He put me through it and allowed me to get to the spot I am today. It was a tough game, but I knew we would be able to pull it off. We just had to keep executing and keep pushing. I’m just super excited.”

Penix put together an incredible performance to lead Washington to victory. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns to lead Kalen DeBoer’s high-powered offense. Odunze and Polk were the two top receivers with 128 yards and 118 yards, respectively.

It was a long and winding road for Michael Penix Jr. to find success at Washington

Penix had quite a journey to the moment on Saturday. He started his career at Indiana, playing for DeBoer — then the Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator — during the 2019 season, before injuries got in the way just as he was starting to make a name for himself. After the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal and joined forces with DeBoer once again.

Last year was a breakout year for Penix as he finished in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting, throwing for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns. He could’ve tried for the NFL Draft, but decided to return to Seattle for one last go-round and entered the game against Oregon as the Heisman favorite, according to BetMGM.

He maintained his faith throughout his journey, and it led him to a second consecutive victory over Oregon.

“It’s all God,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without him. I’m just blessed. I’m ready to go celebrate.”

When Washington beat Oregon last year, Penix’s parents couldn’t make the game. They didn’t miss the matchup this season, watching him put together a fantastic performance to beat the Ducks once again. He had plenty of family in attendance, which made it even sweeter.

Now, it’s time for him to celebrate.

“It means the world,” Penix said. “I had, like, 20 people come — 22 people came to support me from my family. I appreciate them, they come support all the time. The rest of Huskie Nation, always supporting. I’m just so proud of this team and I just thank God for everything that He’s allowed me to have.”