Washington Huskies name Michael Penix Jr. as starting quarterback

Michael Penix Jr., who transferred from Indiana to Washington, has been named the Huskies' starting quarterback, coach Kalen DeBoer said Tuesday.

Penix Jr. won the job over sophomore Dylan Morris and redshirt freshman Sam Huard.

DeBoer, who came to Washington after two seasons at Fresno State, has known Penix Jr. since 2019, when DeBoer was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana that season. Current Washington tight ends coach Nick Sheridan also coached Penix Jr. over the past two seasons as the Hoosiers' offensive coordinator.

«Michael's had a great camp,» DeBoer told ESPN on Monday, prior to announcing his decision on the starter. «There's a good familiarity with the offense for Penix. It's been good. He's had a full offseason to really work out and get stronger and to make sure he can have a good, healthy season.»

Penix Jr. played four seasons at Indiana before entering the transfer portal Dec. 5. He was the Hoosiers' starter for three seasons but struggled to stay on the field, suffering season-ending injuries each year, including ACL injuries in 2018 and 2020.

Penix Jr. played five games in 2021 before he separated an AC joint in his throwing shoulder. He finished the season with 939 yards passing, 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Morris started last season as the Huskies went 4-8, throwing for 2,458 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games.

Washington opens the season against Kent State on Sept. 3.

DeBoer said his more spread-based offense has improved over the past week and a half.

«It starts up front with the offensive line,» DeBoer said. «I think it's really come together and that helps our quarterback play out — get a little more time in the pocket — and the run game continues