Paul Finebaum went on ESPN’s SportsCenter Sunday morning and said he’s tempted to anoint Michael Penix Jr. the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.

In a 36-33 win over Oregon on Saturday, Washington’s star quarterback had a magnificent showing. He threw a first-half interception, but he also managed 302 yards and four touchdowns — including the game-winner to Rome Odunze with 1:38 remaining in the game.

“It was the biggest game of the year, it was the best game of the year, and it was the biggest moment of the year by Michael Penix Jr.,” Finebaum said. “You cannot say, ‘Give him the Heisman,’ although I’m tempted to on this Sunday morning. But he now has at least one hand wrapped around it, and there are other big games that he will play and he has to continue to play well.”

Washington began the weekend with coach Kalen DeBoer going on The Pat McAfee Show and handing the mercurial host a “Penix for Heisman” cutoff hoodie.

With ESPN’s College GameDay on campus, Heisman posters for Penix went up around campus. Signs in the crowd boosted his campaign. His play on the field gave him a pretty steady lead in the Heisman race.

Meanwhile, USC’s Caleb Williams threw three interceptions in a 48-20 loss to Notre Dame.

“In a moment like that at Notre Dame, you can let the Heisman get away,” Finebaum said. “It’s hard to get it back when you start to go in the opposite direction.”