The quarterbacks will be the focus of Saturday’s high-stakes rivalry game between Oregon and Washington. The Heisman Trophy favorites are Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr., which adds to the intrigue of the top-10 contest.
To begin the season, both quarterbacks have produced impressive numbers. Through six games, Penix has the greatest passing yardage total in the country and Nix has the highest completion percentage.
Numerous NFL scouts will be present at Huskie Stadium on Saturday, and Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy said they will be paying close attention to how the two quarterbacks perform under pressure.
“This Oregon/UW game is huge for both Bo Nix & Michael Penix Jr.,” Nagy said. “#NFL evaluators need to see how both guys operate under duress. NFL is all about chaos—muddy pockets+tight windows. Both guys have games this year where there’s not single throw scouts care about—easy pitch & catch.”
After the Huskies’ opening drive, Penix scored first, connecting with Giles Jackson for a 26-yard touchdown to put Washington in the lead 7-0.
The Heisman buzz was growing for both quarterbacks going into Week 7. According to BetMGM, Penix once again unseats Caleb Williams to claim the title of favorite. Nix was also in the top four odds.
The two quarterbacks have been receiving increased attention ahead of the NFL Draft. Jordan Reid of ESPN claims that Nix has been climbing the boards so far this season and may be in the first-round discussion.
“As far as my risers, I’m going to go with two Oregon guys. I think we have to mention Bo Nix at Oregon,” Reid said. “Just because I think a lot of people think of Bo Nix and who he was at Auburn. But this is a completely different player now.”
In Reid’s evaluations of the top 14 quarterbacks eligible for the draft, Penix was ranked No. 6, and Matt Miller identified the aspects of his game that stand out.
“I think this is a great raking from Michael Penix Jr. to have him at six. He’s almost the start of that next tier for me,” Miller said. “Watching him play sometimes, you’re watching him in the pocket, it’s kind of this leaner body, left-handed guy with this long delivery. And you’re like, this is not gonna work. But it works.
“I mean, he’s a playmaker. And his deep ball is a thing of beauty. You mentioned his receivers, (Jalen) McMillan and (Rome) Odunze. They’re fantastic. They really are. But sometimes the placement that he puts on passes is beautiful as well.”