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Latest update on ongoing Michigan football quarterback battle

Here is the latest from Ann Arbor on the ongoing Michigan football quarterback battle.

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Michigan football, Jack Tuttle, Alex Orji, Jayden Denegal, Kirk Campbell
Sep 17, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) against the Connecticut Huskies at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past few weeks, it appeared as if the Michigan football quarterback battle for the QB2 role had come to an end — Jack Tuttle seemed to be the Wolverines’ winner. That said, according to Kirk Campbell — Michigan’s first-year QB coach — the battle is still being evaluated, with a number of names still in the mix: Tuttle, Jayden Denegal, Alex Orji, and Davis Warren.

Michigan football quarterback battle still being evaluated

All four of the Wolverines’ backup quarterbacks have gotten action so far this fall; however, for the time being, the next QB in the game after JJ McCarthy is Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle. That said, Kirk Campbell is not done evaluating his Michigan football position battle just yet, despite being seven weeks into the 2023 season.

“We’re always evaluating our depth chart and our players on our team,” Michigan football quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell said on Wednesday. “Going in the Minnesota game, the first guy to go in was Jack Tuttle. If he performs the best this week, he will continue to hold that (role). But that’s a constant evaluation. That’s a living, breathing document, as far as the depth chart — we are trying to push everybody to be the best.”

There’s room to move up in the QB room right now

Campbell added that if Alex Orji (or anyone else, such as Jayden Denegal or Davis Warren) comes in and wants to move up the depth chart, he is not going to tell anyone “no.” His job is to push his players, and that is what he plans on doing.

“Listen, it is my goal to get the best out of everybody on that roster in the quarterback room. If Alex Orji comes to me and tells me he wants to be the backup quarterback, I’m gonna do everything I can to possibly push him to be the backup quarterback — that will constantly be evaluated weekly.”

All four Michigan football backup quarterbacks have in-game reps and ar ready to go

The good news for the Wolverines when it comes to the Michigan football QB room? There are a number of guys that can play solid ball, and all of them have in-game experience this year.

“You never know when a helmet may pop off or a shoelace may break, so these guys that have in-game experience — Jack Tuttle, Jayden Denegal, and Davis Warren. They have gotten in the game, and for them to have that experience is vital for us going forward, because you never know when that situation may arise. And they all performed really well, so we’re excited about that.”

JJ McCarthy is obviously the Wolverines’ clear-cut QB1 right now, but behind him, there is still no QB2 just yet. In fact, it appears that Michigan football will continue to evaluate this battle on a weekly basis instead of rolling with a solidified backup quarterback.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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