QB Mike Penix Chooses to Sign with Indiana

Written By Alex Compton

Michael Penix QB, 6’2” 195 Pounds Tampa, FL (Tampa Bay Tech HS) 247 Composite Three-Star (87.49)

Tennessee had a wild coaching search, and that coaching search ended in a good candidate in Jeremy Pruitt. However, Pruitt started off his tenure in Knoxville by making an offer to standing commit Michael Penix “uncommittable", which essentially means he pulled the offer. Schools that were in the mix immediately began re-recruiting Penix, but it was ultimately Tom Allen and the Hoosiers that landed the stud QB over Willie Taggart and Florida State. Allen had his eye on him for a long time, but was lucky enough that the whole situation at UT went down so he could really make a move on Penix. Taggart almost offered Penix while at Oregon, but felt like it was too far distance-wise for anything to work out. He ended up getting his shot once he took the FSU job, but Penix decided that IU was the right place for him. This is an absolutely huge get for this team. With Lagow on the way out, there wasn’t going to be much depth at QB, and there is still no clear-cut starter. You have to imagine the chance to start as a true freshman was a big factor in him picking IU, but he seemed really comfortable with Allen and the staff regardless. 

Penix is a lefty signal-caller, which I just absolutely love. It has nothing to do with his abilities, but I just love the thought of a lefty QB slinging the pigskin all around Memorial Stadium on Saturdays. Penix absolutely projects as a multiple-year starter for IU, and the interesting thing to watch will be whether or not he gets on campus early and has a good shot at that starting job in year one. He fits the bill of what Tom Allen looks for in a quarterback, which is a taller frame, accurate arm, and great mobility. Penix isn’t necessarily a dual-threat guy, but absolutely has the tools to be a weapon on the ground as well. He’s rated as the 20th best pro-style QB in the nation which is huge for IU, and his challenge now will be adding muscle and picking up the system as quickly as possible. He does have a chance to start this year, but starting as a true freshman is really difficult at any level, let alone the Big Ten. 

Adding Penix on signing day is just massive for this program, and gives IU great depth and intriguing options at QB now with Peyton Ramsey, Nick Tronti, and Reese Taylor joining him. Things are looking up on offense in Bloomington, and adding Penix today over Florida State is a huge reason why. 

IU Comparison: Tre Roberson