Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is among the standouts in contention for the Heisman Trophy, college football’s top honor, five weeks into the 2023 season. The 23-year-old leads the NCAA in total passing yards (1,999) while helping to power Washington to a 5–0 record and No. 7 AP ranking.
Penix Jr.’s performance has been further highlighted by recent accolades, including becoming the first college football player to be signed by Adidas to a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal along with teammate wide receiver Rome Odunze. With those personal recognitions in mind, Penix Jr. says his eyes are on a bigger prize than a Heisman Trophy.
“It would mean a lot, but for myself, it would mean much more for [Washington] to win a National Championship,” Penix Jr. told Sports Illustrated about what winning the Heisman would mean to him. “That’s one of our goals as a team.”
