Jim Harbaugh is well aware of how good Michael Penix Jr. is, as he’s coached against the former Indiana quarterback.

Harbaugh spoke at Wednesday’s media teleconference ahead of the national championship in Houston. Not much has changed when it comes to Penix since the Indiana days, according to Harbaugh.

“Super great. Thanks for that question. He’s a super great player. My impressions of him when he played at Indiana were the same,” said Harbaugh. “Big-time arm talent, tremendous presence in the pocket, sees the field really well. He is so polished. Watching him and his accuracy, his decision making, timing, he has really just continued to have this tremendous presence of going through progression, feels pressure, will drop it off to a check-down. Yeah, it’s at an elite level.”

It’s no wonder Penix finished 2nd in Heisman voting in 2023 with how he played. Penix has a career high 4,648 yards passing and 38 touchdowns heading into the national championship. He was involved in Indiana’s last win over Michigan in 2020, throwing for 342 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Penix will face Harbaugh again for the 1st time since his days in Bloomington. This time, it’ll be for a national title. Kickoff for Monday’s action is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.