Michigan football announced the departure of quarterback Alex Orji under unceremonious circumstances to link up with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Orji, who had been with the Michigan Wolverines as a backup quarterback, decided to transfer to Texas Tech following a period of limited playing time in Ann Arbor. His departure raised some eyebrows, as it was not accompanied by a formal farewell or a lot of public discussion from the Michigan program.
Orji’s move to Texas Tech was part of a larger trend in college football where players who feel they may not have a clear path to significant playing time at their current school seek opportunities elsewhere. For Texas Tech, bringing in a quarterback with Orji’s physical talents — known for his size and athleticism — could prove beneficial as they look to bolster their roster for the upcoming seasons.
Alex Orji, Michigan football’s most athletic QB, hits transfer portal
The man who was expected to win the Michigan football starting quarterback competition entering the 2024 season has entered the transfer portal.
Alex Orji, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound dual-threat signal caller from Sachse, Texas has put his name in the NCAA’s online database program, spokesman Dave Ablauf confirmed to the Detroit Free Press on Friday.
Orji appeared in 20 games with three starts across three seasons for the Wolverines, but it became clear he was not going to cut it as a passer at the Big Ten level after he was thrust into the starting role, which he took over at midseason when Davis Warren opened the year struggling.
Orji led U-M to a win over USC, but he completed 7 of 12 passes for 32 yards. The next week, U-M survived Minnesota, but even then in his “best” game, he completed 10 of 16 passes for 86 yards with one touchdown and one turnover.
The following week, U-M got in a 14-0 hole at Washington as Orji started the game 3 of 7 for 15 yards and he was pulled for graduate Jack Tuttle. Orji, who completed 2 of 14 passes of 10 or more air yards during his career and 5 of 15 passes under pressure in his career per Pro Football Focus, did not start another game.
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