Six quarterbacks were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, which means six college football teams will have to find new starters at the key position. For some, this task is easier than for others.
Oregon, for instance, has acquired two high-profile quarterback transfers, giving them a strong advantage. LSU, North Carolina, Washington, and USC will also be introducing new signal callers. Michigan football is among them, and one analyst isn’t too optimistic about the Wolverines’ presumed starter.
CBS Sports analyst Blake Brockmeyer evaluated the openings and ranked the quarterbacks who are expected to take on starting roles this year. Michigan’s presumed starter, Alex Orji, came in last place among the six teams.
Orji is an unpredictable prospect with impressive size and athletic ability, which suggests that offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore might focus on a running-heavy approach in 2024. Despite limited playing time last season — just 17 snaps and eight in 2022, with only one pass attempt — Orji showcased his running ability as a change-of-pace quarterback in Michigan’s ground-and-pound offense. As a dynamic athlete, he shines with the ball in his hands, but defenses will likely pack the box to stop the run.
While Michigan’s coaches are confident in Orji’s running skills, his passing ability remains largely untested. Former coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned Orji’s high school stats, where he threw for over 2,000 yards with a 51% completion rate, 28 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Michigan is expected to lean heavily on formations that emphasize the run, as Orji’s passing skills have yet to be fully assessed outside of the team.
Orji may either continue in his role from last year or be replaced by a more traditional passer.
That could be the case. However, Orji himself understands that passing accuracy will determine if he earns the starting job. If he doesn’t beat out his competitors, he won’t have the chance to start for Michigan.
“It’s hard to play quarterback without throwing the football,” Orji said. “Coach Harbaugh always told us that as a quarterback, accuracy will get you the job, but staying on the field will depend on everything else. At the end of the day, though, accuracy is crucial.”
Fall camp starts in about six weeks, and the competition for the starting job will intensify with Orji, Jack Tuttle, Davis Warren, Jayden Denegal, and Jadyn Davis all vying for the position.
