Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Penix Jr.

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 20, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Penix Jr. made an impact.

Michael Penix Jr. is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Prior to his professional career, he played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers and later the Washington Huskies. His 2022 season with Washington was a breakout year, leading the FBS in passing yards per game. In 2023, he won the Maxwell Award, topped the NCAA in passing yards, and led the Huskies to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: Freshman Year and Injury

In 2018, as a true freshman for the Indiana Hoosiers, Penix played in three games before suffering a torn ACL and was subsequently redshirted.

2019: Limited Play Due to Injury

In 2019, despite being named the starter, Penix only played in six games for Indiana due to injury.

2020: Another Season-Ending Injury

In 2020, Penix returned as the starter for Indiana but was ruled out for the season on November 30 after suffering another torn ACL during a game against Maryland.

December 2021: Transfer to Washington

In December 2021, Penix transferred to the University of Washington.

2022: Breakout Year with Washington Huskies

In 2022, Michael Penix Jr. had a breakout year with the Washington Huskies, leading the FBS in yards per game and setting the school season record for passing yards.

2022: FBS Leader in Passing Yards

In 2022, Michael Penix Jr. led the FBS in passing yards per game and led the Washington Huskies to an 11-2 record. He was also named AP Comeback Player of the Year.

2023: Undefeated Regular Season

In 2023, Penix led the Huskies to an undefeated 13-0 regular season and won the Pac-12 Championship Game. He also won the Maxwell Award.

June 24, 2024: Signs with Atlanta Falcons

On June 24, 2024, Michael Penix Jr. signed a four-year fully-guaranteed contract worth $22.8 million with the Atlanta Falcons.

2024: Selected by the Atlanta Falcons

In 2024, Michael Penix Jr. was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft and on June 24, 2024 he signed a four-year fully-guaranteed contract worth $22.8 million.

2024: NFL Draft and Maxwell Award

In 2024, Michael Penix Jr. won the Maxwell Award and led the NCAA in passing yards en route to an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was also selected by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft.