Will Rogers throws passes to Dillon Johnson at national championship

Monday night marks Michael Penix Jr.’s last game at Washington. After six years in college football, the last two of which he spent with the Huskies, he will likely be off to the NFL — and UW fans got a glimpse of the future ahead of the national championship.

Will Rogers, an incoming transfer from Mississippi State, is in attendance at NRG Stadium in Houston and was on the sidelines throwing Dillon Johnson passes. The two played at Mississippi State together from 2020-22 before Johnson entered the transfer portal and arrived at Washington.

Next year, Rogers will be able to suit up for the Huskies, and it seems like he’s fitting in well with his future teammates.

Mississippi State transfer QB Will Rogers getting throws in on the Washington sideline before the National Championship👀

Rogers will succeed Michael Penix Jr. in 2024🟣

(via @Andy_Staples)https://t.co/gYEpAS7j2N pic.twitter.com/b4It3KiidM

— On3 (@On3sports) January 8, 2024

Rogers put up incredible numbers under Mike Leach’s watchful eye in his Air Raid offense. From 2020-22, he threw for nearly 10,700 yards and 82 touchdowns before Leach’s sudden death. Then, when Zach Arnett installed a pro-style system, Rogers’ number dropped to 1,626 yards and 12 touchdowns before he decided to enter the portal.

After coming in as the No. 16-ranked quarterback to transfer so far this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings, Rogers announced his commitment to Washington. He will likely fit in well to Kalen DeBoer’s system in Seattle, as well.

Breaking down Will Rogers’ fit in Washington’s sytem

Under Leach, Rogers had more than 600 pass attempts in both 2021 and 2022. For comparison, in each of the last two years, Penix has thrown 500 passes with Washington. While it’s not a true “Air Raid” system like the one Leach ran — Johnson ran for 1,000 yards this year — DeBoer still leans on the passing game, and that presents an opportunity for Rogers to flourish.

In fact, while the Huskies went through their plan in the portal, On3’s Pete Nakos said they “got who they wanted” in Rogers. Considering UW is moving to the Big Ten in 2024, DeBoer also added plenty of experience under center to replace Penix.

“I think there’s probably a select handful of schools that would’ve really fit well with Will Rogers. And I think Kalen DeBoer’s offense is a great fit,” Nakos told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “I know everyone loves talking about Will’s crazy stats at Mississippi State, I think he’s really talented. I also think that’s a mix of the Mike Leach Air Raid offense. And I think that he can kind of mirror that with the Huskies in the Big Ten now. Yeah, I think it’s a good fit.”