Washington football lands transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Washington football has landed transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from Indiana.

Penix Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Washington on Tuesday in an Instagram post. In the caption, he simply wrote, “ALL IN! #GoHuskies”. He was announced to have entered the transfer portal earlier this month and has spent the last four seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. Penix has two years of eligibility remaining.

Penix has only played a total of 20 games throughout his collegiate career due to multiple injuries. It only makes sense for him to want a fresh start in his final two years of eligibility.

Michael Penix Jr. joins a familiar face in the Washington football program

The initial news of Penix’s transfer to Washington came as a bit of a shock. However, when I think about it, I wonder how I didn’t connect the dots sooner. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has made multiple staff additions that bring familiar connections to Washington and now Penix Jr. joins that list.

DeBoer spent the 2019 season as the Hoosiers offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, with Penix as his protégé. When Penix was healthy enough to play, he three for a total of 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions for a 59.4% completion percentage.

While his stats aren’t anything impressive, Penix is still a tremendous athlete and a big addition for the Washington Huskies. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound quarterback may look odd throwing with his left hand, but he has a strong arm and can withstand hits in the pocket. His accuracy can be spotty but when he needs to, he will move the ball with his legs.

Penix now joins last year’s starter, Dylan Morris, and five-star 2021 recruit, Sam Huard, in the Husky quarterback room. It’s unsure which direction this team will go next season in terms of starting a quarterback, but after how last season unfolded, I wouldn’t think Dylan Morris would have much of a shot.

Penix certainly has the opportunity to succeed under a familiar system, the question is just whether he can stay healthy or not.