Significant Development in Michigan Football’s QB Competition
We’ve received a significant update from Michigan football’s fall camp regarding the quarterback competition in Ann Arbor.
Redshirt sophomore Alex Orji, redshirt junior Davis Warren, and graduate senior Jack Tuttle were initially the top candidates for the starting quarterback position. However, Big Ten Network’s lead studio host Dave Revsine revealed tonight that one of these contenders is no longer in the running.
“It’s not going to be Jack Tuttle, at least not initially,” Revsine stated. “He’s working his way back from an injury, so it’s down to a two-man race for quarterback.”
This update aligns with recent speculation about the quarterback battle. Tuttle, who missed all of spring practice due to injury, is still dealing with a torn UCL in his elbow from last season. The graduate senior, who received a seventh season of eligibility in February, served as a backup to J.J. McCarthy last year, completing 15 of 17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, and adding 35 rushing yards on four carries.
With Tuttle seemingly out of the competition, the focus shifts to Orji and Warren as Michigan approaches their season opener against Fresno State on August 31. Orji has thrown only one pass in his college career, a five-yard completion in 2022, and was used in a wildcat role last season, rushing for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
Warren, who showed promise during Michigan’s spring game in April, had no completions in five attempts last season and threw one interception. Heading into his fourth season, Warren has passed for 89 yards, completing 5 of 14 career attempts.
Former Michigan tight end Jake Butt provided insight on the quarterback battle, noting concerns from a recent practice. “Against a defense like Wink Martindale’s, which is very complex and confusing, the urgency for these quarterbacks to be mentally sharp is crucial,” Butt said. “They need to anticipate plays rather than wait for the picture to develop. Mental acuity will be a key factor in this competition.”
Butt compared the situation to the 2021-2022 battle between Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. “It’s similar to the competition between Cade and J.J.,” he remarked. “Both have different skill sets. I expect both Orji and Warren will see action in the first game, with Orji possibly having some specific packages.”
BTN’s Gerry DiNardo echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the challenge of integrating two different skill sets into the offense. “Having distinct packages for each quarterback could make the offense predictable, especially with tough games against Texas and USC early in the season.”
Howard Griffith of the Big Ten Network was the only analyst to endorse a particular choice, expressing preference for Orji. “I like what Orji brings to the table,” Griffith said. “If the team wants to be run-dominant, Orji’s mobility fits well with that strategy. While he needs to continue developing as a passer, his experience on the field will be valuable against strong opponents like Texas and USC.”
