FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – When Michael Penix Jr. first stepped onto the University of Washington campus in December 2021, he was a quarterback with immense potential but relatively limited production.

Each of Penix’s first four seasons at Indiana University ended early due to injuries, leaving him looking for a fresh start. The medical setbacks would normally be enough to deter suitors, but Penix had shown so much promise in limited appearances that his phone started blowing up when he entered the transfer portal as a redshirt junior.

Washington was among the teams that came calling. His new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, had been Penix’s offensive coordinator at Indiana during the 2019 season and knew how special he was.

“Michael is really mature,” DeBoer told Atlantafalcons.com this season. “He’s been through a lot throughout his college career and now his pro career. He has understood how to deal with the various adversities that come his way on and off the field.”

Penix’s misfortune in Indiana did not follow him across the country, and his talent certainly never waned. He was named the Huskies’ starting quarterback before the 2022 season opener and has never looked back.

Penix worked in DeBoer’s offense and became the most productive passer in the country over the next two seasons. In 28 games, Penix threw for 9,544 yards with 67 touchdowns. His 4,903 passing yards in 2023 were the most of any quarterback in college football; his 36 touchdown passes ranked third.