The Washington Huskies are reportedly close to landing a new starting quarterback to replace superstar Michael Penix Jr., who’s likely NFL-bound.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Huskies will be meeting with Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers and running back Jo’Quavious Marks this week. The two Bulldogs stars recently entered the transfer portal.
Thamel added that Washington is “considered the strong favorite” to land Rogers.
While speaking on “College Football Live” (h/t Nick Kosko of On3.com), Thamel added, “there’s strong mutual interest between both Rogers and Washington and a very good chance he could be Michael Penix’s replacement in Seattle after the Huskies CFP season is over.”
Penix Jr. hasn’t made the official announcement yet, but he’s expected to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix Jr. would be part of a stacked QB draft class that includes USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Over his four seasons at Mississippi State, Rogers threw for 12,315 yards and 94 touchdowns against 28 interceptions and two rushing touchdowns. Rogers’ best season came in 2021, when he threw for 4,739 yards and 36 touchdowns.
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Penix Jr. has led the No. 2 ranked Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they’ll square off against No. 3 ranked Texas in the Sugar Bowl and semifinals. Here in 2023, Penix Jr. has 4,218 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions to go along with three rushing scores.
Penix Jr. had no more than two games left with the Huskies. The good news for Washington fans is that they appear to be awfully close to securing a grade-A replacement to take over the offense in 2024.
