Dillon Johnson calls for Michael Penix Jr. to win Heisman Trophy after winning Pac-12 title

Michael Penix Jr. cemented his legacy on Friday night. After defeating Oregon 34-31 in the Pac-12 Championship, the Washington quarterback explained his emotions to ESPN’s Holly Rowe.

“We know we have what it takes, and that’s all we need,” Penix said. “We have what it takes, but we just had to go out there. And that’s what we’re gonna do. At the end of the game.”

Penix was pivotal in the triumph. The Heisman Trophy candidate tallied completed 27-of-his-39 pass attempts for 319 yards and a touchdown in the victory. Penix couldn’t hold back his smile after the program-defining triumph.

He wasn’t the only one smiling. Washington running back Dillon Johnson smirked beside Penix, knowing what this game meant to the Huskies’ leader. While Penix remained humble, Johnson took the opportunity to campaign for the standout QB.

“Absolutely, [this is a Heisman moment],” Johnson said. “Go on and give my boy the Heisman, man. We’re waiting on it at the house.”

Penix certainly has an argument. In 13 games, the sixth-year senior boasts 3,899 passing yards and 32 touchdowns while only throwing eight interceptions. Additionally, Penix has connected on 65.6% of his pass attempts this season.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels is Penix’s most substantial competition for the coveted trophy. However, the Tigers lost three games this season and were a far cry from conference champions. Penix’s impressive wins will certainly play a role in Heisman voters’ minds.

Kalen DeBoer praises his team’s efforts

Johnson and Penix weren’t alone in their celebration. Soaked in Gatorade, head coach Kalen DeBoer raved about his team’s underdog performance.

“I’m just so proud,” DeBoer said. “We knew that that’s what it was gonna take tonight. We’ve just gotten better and better in that way. I thought just the key was executing and [Dillon Johnson] just running hard. Both sides of the ball doing a good job at the line of scrimmage.

“They gave me everything. They do it for each other. The brotherhood is so strong here. It’s all they talked about before the game, halftime — just wanting to showcase what what we’ve built, how hard they play for each other.”

Washington will head into the College Football Playoff with a 13-0 record. The win solidifies the program’s spot in the elusive final four. Washington will be the first Pac-12 team to reach the CFP since it did so in 2016.