Michael Penix Jr. ended his collegiate career with a loss to Michigan in Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Washington’s senior quarterback completed 27 of 51 passes for 255 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in a 34-13 defeat at NRG Stadium. The attention now turns to Penix’s draft prospects.
Paul Finebaum said on Tuesday’s SportsCenter that he doesn’t think Penix’s stock will suffer too much from a disappointing title showing.
“I think he’ll be fine,” Finebaum said, via On3’s Matt Connolly. “I know you may think I’m in a very liberal grading mood today on the final day of the season, but I think even with last night, and he certainly didn’t help himself last night, but I think once you get to the all-star games and the combine, he’ll make up for that.”
Penix bolstered his draft stock when leading Washington to the National Championship Game with 430 passing yards and two touchdowns in a Sugar Bowl win over Texas. Pundits will now wonder if he gave back those gains.
The Indiana transfer had a painful evening in Houston beyond the loss. A teammate stepped on his foot as Penix threw a pick, and he appeared to hurt his ribs later in the game.
Penix held his rib area while gingerly walking back to the locker room.
Michael Penix Jr. walking off the fied #PenixJr pic.twitter.com/lMo4iuaSIo
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) January 9, 2024
“I knew that no matter what, I was going to make sure I finished for the guys and just give it my all,” Penix said in the post-game press conference, per Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press. “I’m not healthy, but … I’m good. It’s nothing major. I know that for sure.”
Although Penix struggled against an elite Wolverines defense, scouts may have more questions about his health than his abilities. He tore his ACL twice with the Hoosiers before a formidable Huskies offensive line helped him stay upright for most of his two-year tenure.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. still believes Penix will go in the first round. He ranks Penix as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2024 class behind Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.