University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recently led his team to a 36-33 win over Oregon, crediting God for the win. He told ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe, “I’ve just got to give credit to the man upstairs and thank God for everything He put me through and allowing me to get to the spot I am today.”

Penix Jr. continued, “It was a tough game, but I knew we’d be able to pull it off. I’m just so proud of this team, and I just thank God for everything that He allowed me to have.” Despite a fantastic victory over Oregon, Penix Jr. has had his fair share of injuries throughout his college career. While at Indiana, the quarterback suffered from four season-ending injuries.

Before this season at Washington started, he told the Pac-12 Network, “There were times when I’d wake up the day of the game, and I’d wait until my roommate leaves, and I’d just lie on the floor, and I’d just cry to God, just praying that He’d protect me that day. I knew where my head was at that time.” He also opened up about his journey to Washington. He said, “It wasn’t easy to get here. Everything that I’ve accomplished to this day came with a lot of heartbreak, a lot of tears.”

He continued, “Nothing was going to be easy to be great. I’m more than just a football player, and deep down inside as a person, I’m a guy that’s never going to quit.” Last season, Penix Jr. had the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft, but he chose to stay at Washington and attempt to lead his team to a National Championship.

In a letter reporting his return, he said, “First of all, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play this sport that I have been in love with all my life. I would like to thank all of Husky Nation and the University of Washington for believing in me and supporting me and my teammates in this wonderful journey.” Sports Spectrum reported, “So far, the Huskies have justified the hype. Penix’s 2,301 passing yards are the second-most in the country, and he ranks in the top 15 in a variety of statistical categories, including touchdown passes (20), completion percentage (72.1%) and passer rating (189.9).

Washington is the lone undefeated team remaining in the Pac-12 and No. 5 in the most recent Associated Press poll. “Penix threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns in the top-10 showdown with Oregon and was named the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week for his performance. He is also one of the Heisman Trophy favorites with the season approaching the halfway point,” the outlet added.

Penix Jr. recently led the University of Washington to its first College Football Playoff berth in seven years. He threw for 319 yards and one touchdown in the Huskies’ 34-31 victory over Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship, the school’s first conference title since 2018. Two days later, the Huskies were named one of four teams in the College Football Playoff, their first appearance since the 2016 season.

Penix leads the country in passing yards (4,218) and has thrown 33 touchdowns. Washington is 13-0. “All glory to God,” Penix said during an interview on ESPN after he was named MVP. “… We’re just super blessed and super excited for this opportunity to be able to come out as the last Pac-12 champs.” Penix Jr. is also a candidate for the Heisman trophy. Washington faces Texas on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal game.