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Former Indiana quarterback Michael Penix announces transfer to Pac 12 power

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh12/14/21griffin_mcveigh
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Former Indiana Hooisers quarterback Michael Penix attempting a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

New Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first priority was to find a quarterback for his offense. The transfer portal was going to be the best route, with the Huskies finding their guy.

Former Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his commitment to Washington via Instagram on Tuesday. UCF was also in the running for Penix, but the Huskies won out, looking to bring back an explosive offense to Seattle.

Penix has dealt with injuries his entire career, tearing his ACL twice. When the quarterback has been healthy, he took Indiana to new heights during the 2020 season. He has a career record of 12-5 as a starter, throwing for 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions throughout his career.

If Penix can stay healthy on the field, Washington will have a great quarterback to begin the DeBoer era.

Kalen DeBoer announced as Washington head coach

The Washington Huskies have officially hired Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer to lead the football program. The 47-year old South Dakota native replaces former head coach Jimmy Lake, who was fired after less than two seasons in charge.

DeBoer graduated from the University of Sioux Falls in 1995 and took over at Washington High School in South Dakota. After two seasons, he started his college coaching career in as a wide receiver coach and has two stints as a head coach. After taking over as head coach, DeBoer led Sioux Falls to three NAIA championships from 2005-2009 before quickly rising from FCS to FBS as an offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois and Eastern Michigan.

DeBoer got his first taste of Power Five football in 2019, when he served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for Tom Allen’s Indiana team. He then took the Fresno State head coaching job after one season and has led the Bulldogs to a 12-6 record in two years.

His previous stop was his second stint in Fresno, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach from 2017 to 2018 under Jeff Tedford. After starting 3-3 in the shortened 2020 season, he took Fresno State to a 9-3 record with wins over No. 13 UCLA and No. 21 San Diego State.

Kalen DeBoer brings a 79-9 all-time record to Washington, including a 17-2 record in the NAIA playoffs and three NAIA coach of the year awards.