It has been years since there was any uncertainty surrounding the Michigan football quarterback position; in fact, there have not been this many question marks surrounding the QB spot since Jim Harbaugh first got to Ann Arbor in 2015. With JJ McCarthy out of the picture and Kirk Campbell calling the shots on offense, Alex Orji is a name that’s stirring up tons of buzz, but can he be the future of the program?
Is this the next Michigan football quarterback?
Alex Orji got a lot of reps throughout the 2023-24 season, even seeing action in big games like the Wolverines’ win over Ohio State and national title victory over Washington. Still, while Orji brought a lot of athleticism to the table, he never got a chance to pass the football — something that has some Michigan football fans wary heading into spring ball.
Still, while Alex Orji has not gotten to throw in a game just yet, rumor has it he has all of the ability in the world and is developing extremely quickly. Below is a clip of Orji’s arm talent and some words from Kirk Campbell on what he brings to the table.
“Yeah, not just Alex (Orji), but our entire quarterback room is ready for the situation whenever it strikes. Alex has done an unbelievable job preparing himself with, not only the run game, but the throw game,” said newly promoted offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell. “(Orji’s run against Ohio State) was an opportunity that, not only his talent warranted, but his preparation warranted as well.”
Back in December, before the Rose Bowl, I had a chance to speak with ex-head coach Jim Harbaugh about Alex Orji and what he brings to the table for Michigan football. There, Harbaugh compared Orji to Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe — a top-five Heisman finalist from last season.
“(Milroe) is like a real polished Alex Orji,” Jim Harbaugh said. “… I do (see Orji turning into Michigan’s own version of Jalen Milroe). … I mean, we’re seeing before our eyes right now with Alex Orji. And it scares me a little bit that Jalen Milroe could be as athletic as Alex Orji; Alex is like that scariest, most athletic guy on our whole team, you know? So, okay, that is a little scary. … We’re excited to turn Alex loose,” Harbaugh added. “I think he will be right in the (starting quarterback) battle next year — depending on what JJ (McCarthy) does. It’s fun to think about.”
Of course, JJ McCarthy is officially headed to the NFL Draft after leading Michigan to a 27-1 record, two Big Ten titles, and a National Championship during his time as a starter. Now that Sherrone Moore is head coach, he has a few options for his starting quarterback during the 2024 season — of course, the transfer portal could be a factor here, but it appears that Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal could be gearing up for a QB1 battle this spring.
We’re about to see what Alex Orji has got, but if his tape and all the hype coming out of Schembechler Hall are any indication, he could be the Michigan football quarterback of the future.
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