Michael Penix Jr. vs Jayden Daniels statistical comparison this year (2023)

The battle for the Heisman Trophy in 2023 is going down to the wire. On one end is LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Despite the team’s 9-3 overall record, the quarterback is making a strong case for the award.

Meanwhile, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. has led his team to the Pac-12 championship hunt and a shot at the College Football Playoff.

With both quarterbacks having standout seasons, the Heisman race is intensifying as the clock ticks down.

Let’s compare their stats in 2023 and decide for ourselves.

Appearances [Michael Penix Jr. - 12, Jayden Daniels - 12]

Both QBs have played 12 games in 2023. The Huskies QB happens to be dominant in the Pac-12 arena, while Daniels plies his services in the SEC West.

Passing yards [Michael Penix Jr. - 3899, Jayden Daniels - 3812]

The Washington QB has a slight edge over Daniels in passing yards. Penix Jr. is sitting at 3899 yards and is one of the top QBs in the program's history to cross the mark of 3000.

Similarly, LSU star Jayden has 3812 yards to his name. With just one more game, the duo will likely breach the 4000-yard mark.

Passing touchdowns [Michael Penix Jr. - 32, Jayden Daniels - 40]

Daniels boasts 40 TDs in his collegiate career, which is pretty impressive. Penix Jr. is slightly behind with 32.

Interceptions [Michael Penix Jr. - 8, Jayden Daniels - 4]

The LSU QB has the edge in this stat as well, as he has posted only four interceptions. Penix Jr. has eight interceptions to his name.

Passing attempts and completion [Michael Penix Jr. - 280/427, Jayden Daniels - 236/327]

Michael Penix Jr. has a completion percentage of 65.6, having completed 280/427 passes.

Daniels has a completion percentage of 72.2, although he has attempted fewer passes than the Washington Huskies quarterback (236/327).

Sacks [Michael Penix Jr. - 8, Jayden Daniels - 22]

The Washington Huskies quarterback has been sacked only eight times in 2023. Much of the credit goes to the offensive line that has safeguarded him in the pocket.

In comparison, Daniels has been sacked 22 times, nearly three times that of Penix Jr.

Rushing yards [Michael Penix Jr. - -14, Jayden Daniels - 1134]

The LSU QB has a clear advantage. He has rushed for 1134 yards while Penix Jr. has -14 yards in the 2023 season.

Rushing touchdowns [Michael Penix Jr. - 3, Jayden Daniels - 10]

Daniels leads Penix Jr. in rushing touchdowns as well. The LSU QB has 10 rushing TDs against Michael Penix Jr's three.

Although both of these figures don't seem to be competitive based on the program's previous records, the disparity is quite evident.