Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback for Washington, wasn’t always a dominant gunslinger in the Pac-12. Penix had his offer withdrawn from the Tennessee Volunteers after a new administration took control in Knoxville, Tennessee, despite his months-long commitment to the team before the early national signing day. Penix described in great detail what transpired during the College Football Playoff championship media availability.

Penix had committed to Tennessee for a long time in high school, but the athletic administration chose to hire Jeremy Pruitt as head coach following the dismissal of Butch Jones. A few days before early national signing day, Penix used social media to let Tennessee fans know that the new coaching staff had made it plain that Pruitt wasn’t wanted in Knoxville, Tennessee. This was shortly after the news of Pruitt’s employment was announced.

A week later, he signed a contract with the Indiana Hoosiers. During his brief time with them, he showed flashes, but his Big Ten career was cut short by injuries. Penix joined Washington two years ago after logging via the transfer portal. After having a successful career with the Huskies, he concluded as the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up. If the team can’t beat Michigan in the national championship game, he believes they will be undefeated. With one game remaining in his college career, Penix has already completed his season with 4,648 yards and 35 touchdowns through the air.