Tennessee Fans Reminded of Michael Penix Jr. Saga During CFP

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was once committed to the Tennessee Volunteers before head coach Jeremy Pruitt rejected his pledge.

Monday was a fun one for the Tennessee Volunteers. They notched their ninth win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava earned game MVP honors. However, fans got reminded of what could have been on Monday evening when Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led his team to a College Football Playoff win over the Texas Longhorns, sending Washington to the national championship game.

Penix was a long-time Tennessee commit in high school, but after head coach Butch Jones was fired, the athletic department decided to hire Jeremy Pruitt. Shortly after the announcement of Pruitt's hiring, Penix took to social media to inform Tennessee fans that the new coaching staff had made it clear that he wasn't wanted in Knoxville, Tennessee, which occurred a few short days before early national signing day.

Penix signed with the Indiana Hoosiers a week later. He flashed during his brief stint with them, but injuries derailed his career in the Big Ten. Penix entered the transfer portal and joined Washington two years ago. He's gone on to have a prolific career with the Huskies, and in 2023 finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up and has his team poised for an undefeated run, barring they can defeat Michigan in the national championship game. Penix has thrown for 4,648 yards and 35 touchdowns thus far this season with one game left in his college career.

Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. during the CFP win over Texas. (Photo by Aaron E. Martinez of the American-Statesman)

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