Michael Penix shares goals for 2023 season

The Washington Huskies caught a lot of people by surprise in 2022, largely because of transfer quarterback Michael Penix. In 2023, Penix and the Huskies are going to want to build on that but they’ll be doing so with a target on his back.

As Penix explained during an episode of SportsCenter, he personally wants to be more consistent and believes that will help both him and the team improve.

“Just being consistent, you know, just making sure that you know every everything is ran how it’s supposed to be,” Michael Penix said. “I feel like one of the reasons I came back, you know, just being in a system for a second year, you know, with this group of guys is definitely going to be a big thing.”

A big reason why Penix ended up at Washington was head coach Kalen DeBoer. In his first year, DeBoer wanted to bring in a transfer quarterback. He landed on Penix, who he worked with in 2019 when he was the offensive coordinator at Indiana. That connection was huge during their first year in Washington.

“You know, I’ve been in the system for — this is gonna be my fifth year in this offense but my receivers, that was their first year last year, so you know, I can only imagine what they’re gonna do this year, being comfortable in the system. And you know, just make sure that we build that connection and continue to, you know, just strive to be great every day.”

Last season was the first of Michael Penix’s career where he was able to play every game of the season. In 13 games, he had a 65.3 completion percentage for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also ran for an additional four touchdowns. In 2023, he and the Huskies are hoping to play for a Pac-12 Championship.

Phil Steele says Michael Penix makes Washington a national contender

In his annual preview magazine, Phil Steele praised Washington and Michael Penix, saying that they could be national contenders.

“The Huskies made my Most Improved List and went from 4-8 to a super 11-2 season!! UW opened an impressive 4-0 but ran their road losing streak to seven losing at UCLA and Arizona St. The Huskies then won their last seven games including a big win in Autzen and in the Alamo Bowl vs Texas,” Steele said.

“They do face a much tougher schedule this year as USC and Utah pop back up on the docket. They did benefit from 3 net close wins last year. The Huskies finished last year #8 AP and if they take care of business at home vs Oregon they could be 8-0 when they travel to USC. They are a Pac-12 and playoff contender with QB Penix back in the fold.”