Tag: Alex Orji

Michigan quarterbacks Alex Orji (10), Jayden Denegal (4), Jack Tuttle (13) and Davis Warren (16) practice before the UNLV game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Michigan QB Alex Orji to transfer

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alex Orji opted to head for the exits rather than await his fate at Michigan.

Faced with a backup role or position switch after the Wolverines signed No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood, Orji became the second Wolverines quarterback to choose the transfer portal.

Head coach Sherrone Moore said this week that Davis Warren, who fell into a timeshare with Orji and Jack Tuttle for parts of the regular season, was preparing to start in the Wolverines’ bowl game.

A junior who started three games after Warren’s rocky start, Orji rushed for 260 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He completed only 23 of his 44 passes — setting career-highs with 10 completions, 18 attempts and 86 yards at Minnesota — with a touchdown and an interception. Orji’s longest career completion — also against the Golden Gophers — went for 16 yards.

A star high school quarterback in Texas, Orji rushed for 1,187 yards with 24 touchdowns as a senior. He played in nine games prior to the 2024 season.

Tuttle retired from football in October because of his fifth career concussion. Another Michigan junior quarterback, Jayden Denegal, confirmed earlier this week he entered the transfer portal.

Underwood, an in-state prospect originally committed to LSU, made a dramatic decision one week before early signing day to stay home and play for the Wolverines. LSU blasted the decision and program after reports surfaced that Underwood was paid over $10 million in NIL guarantees to jump to Michigan.

Quarterback play was inconsistent for Michigan with previous starter JJ McCarthy off to the NFL as a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings.

In addition to Underwood, Michigan signed quarterback Chase Herbstreit, son of Kirk Herbstreit, in the 2025 class.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) throws against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

No. 18 Michigan makes change, names Alex Orji QB1

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No. 18 Michigan is going with a new starting quarterback when it opens Big Ten play against Southern California on Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Head coach Sherrone Moore announced Monday that Alex Ojri will start for the Wolverines (2-1) against the No. 11 Trojans (2-0). Orji replaced Davis Warren in last weekend’s 28-18 win over Arkansas State.

Moore said Monday that he’s “excited” for Orji, adding, “I know he’s champing at the bit.”

Warren threw three interceptions against the Red Wolves before being replaced. Orji, meanwhile, completed 2 of 4 passes for 12 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 27 yards on three carries.

“Davis was playing good, but you can’t have those turnovers,” Moore said. “Orji went in there and did a good job, missed the one throw, but thought he controlled the offense pretty well. We’ll go from there.”

Michigan has the 121st-ranked passing offense in FBS with just 153 yards per game. The Wolverines are also 129th in the nation in interceptions, thanks to Warren’s six. Warren has thrown for two TDs and 444 yards.

Orji, meanwhile, has attempted just seven passes in 12 games across three seasons at Michigan. He’s also rushed 31 times for 181 yards and three scores.

–Field Level Media