Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. On Heisman Trophy Contention: ‘I Want to See My Team Win First’

The Huskies’ signal-caller leads the NCAA in total passing yards (1,999) while helping to power Washington to a 5–0 record and No. 7 AP ranking.

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.”

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who recently made history with Adidas, is in contention for the Heisman Trophy this season / Courtesy of Adidas

Penix Jr. put an emphasis on being a “team guy” and ranks group achievements above an individual award. 

“I understand that team success would put light on individual success, so I want to see my team win first,” Penix Jr. said. 

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer echoed similar sentiments on Penix Jr.’s mindset when asked what the quarterback needs to do this season to win the Heisman.

“[Penix Jr.] knows that individual accolades will always be a product of team success and it’s really as simple as that,” DeBoer told SI. “He focuses on bringing everything he can to our football team every day and helping us reach our potential. He is such a strong leader and those accolades, such as the Heisman, if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. I just love the mindset he has and how he approaches each and every day.“ 

That drive and team-first mentality also stood out to Adidas North America President Rupert Campbell when discussing the decision to sign Penix Jr. and Odunze to the brand’s first college football NIL deals. 

“Our commitment to sport in the U.S. is part of our strategy,” Campbell told SI. “It’s special to sign [Penix Jr. and Odunze] because we are really investing in the next generation of athletes, and these are the next generation of athletes. … There is a buzz around them.” 

Penix Jr., Odunze and the Huskies will next have the opportunity to showcase that excitement against another Heisman candidate in quarterback Bo Nix and No. 8 Oregon on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Husky Stadium in what will be a highly-anticipated Pac-12 showdown.