Ja'Lynn Polk calls Michael Penix Jr. 'truly an inspiration' before national title game

When Washington takes the field on Monday night for the national championship game, it’ll do so led by one of college football’s most decisive commanders: quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Penix has been outstanding all season. But above and beyond just his ability to dish out pinpoint passes and pile up gaudy yardage totals, Penix’ journey itself has been an inspiration to teammates.

He’s a former three-star prospect from Florida who couldn’t garner any actionable interest from the big programs. He went to Indiana, where his early career was besieged by injuries. Somehow, he found a way to fight his way through all that.

On Monday, he’ll be on the biggest stage as a quarterback vying for a national title.

“Mike is truly an inspiration, not only to this team but the whole world,” receiver Ja’Lynn Polk said. “Just to see the things that he’s been able to overcome and conquer throughout all the adversity that he’s been through in his career.”

It hasn’t always been a perfectly smooth ride for Penix. Even this season, in which he finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, Michael Penix had some ups and downs.

He had a three-game stretch where he failed to throw a touchdown pass in two of three games, while also throwing three interceptions. Yet Washington got by unscathed.

Because of that, Penix was able to get back in form and guide the program to the national title game. Win or lose on Monday night, Polk thinks Penix’s contributions will be remembered for a long time.

“For him to be able to come here and change this whole program… whenever he gets in that huddle, you want to do for him,” Polk said. “You want to do your job with the most ability that you’re able to do because it’s bigger than you. I always say it’s bigger than myself. It’s a lot of guys that put in tons of work and have been through so much, and they deserve each and every moment.”

Michael Penix is coming off a tremendous performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas. He finished that game 29-of-38 passing for 430 yards and two touchdowns, without an interception.

If he can post that kind of line again on Monday against the Wolverines, there’s a strong chance the Huskies will be national champions.

The national title game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, with a national broadcast on ESPN.