Indiana picks QB Penix over returning starter


Indiana redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has wrested the starting job away from Peyton Ramsey, coach Tom Allen said Monday.

Ramsey, a junior, has started 16 career games, including all 12 last season. He completed 295 of 447 passes for 2,875 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while leading the team to a 5-7 record in 2018. He is the Hoosiers’ career leader in completion percentage (65.8).

Penix, a former three-star recruit from Tampa, Fla., preserved his redshirt status by playing in only three games last season before suffering a torn ACL in the eighth game. He went 21 of 34 for 219 yards with one touchdown.

Redshirt freshman Jack Tuttle, a transfer from Utah, was also in the mix during camp.

“It was a very difficult decision in regards to the competition involved. Peyton’s an awesome kid. He’s one of the finest young men I’ve ever been around,” Allen said at a press conference, via Cincinnati.com.

“I love each one of them; that doesn’t change. Tough decisions have to be made by head coaches. It wasn’t what Peyton didn’t do; it was more of what I believe Mike can be. We let these guys compete. We made the decision early last week so they could get the proper reps. Peyton understands his role. The way he handles that and his response to that is critical. He’s had an awesome attitude about it since.”

Indiana opens the season Saturday against Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.