Michigan quarterback Alex Orji will start the Week 4 matchup against No. 11 USC (3:30 p.m. ET on CBS), Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore announced on Monday. Orji replaces Davis Warren, who started the first three matchups for Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a 2-1 record.
The reigning national champions had one of the highest-profile quarterback battles of the offseason to replace national champion J.J. McCarthy. Orji was considered the favorite to win the job after playing as the primary backup last season, but the former walk-on Warren came out of nowhere to win the job entering the season.
Warren has struggled through three games, however. He completed 66.7% of his passes in three starts but threw for 200 yards just once. On the season, Warren has thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions. Against Arkansas State, Warren completed 11 of 14 passes, but all three incompletions were intercepted by the Red Wolves in a tight 28-18 victory.
Orji has thrown just seven total pass attempts in a Michigan uniform and was primarily used as a runner behind McCarthy. He has completed 3 of 6 passes in 2024, but two of his completions went for touchdowns. Additionally, Orji has averaged 5.8 yards per carry in his Michigan career and gives the Wolverines something to build around.
Michigan has won 22 consecutive Big Ten regular season games dating back to the 2021 season. On Saturday, the Wolverines welcome No. 11 USC in the latter's debut as a Big Ten program. The Trojans have historically struggled on defense under coach Lincoln Riley, but USC is allowing just 10 points per game through three games.
Major offensive struggles
The Wolverines lost the core of their national championship team to the NFL Draft, especially on offense. Any quarterback had his work cut out after losing the program's top rusher, top two wide receivers and entire complement of offensive linemen. Still, the unit has been even worse than projected.
Michigan ranks bottom 30 nationally in both total and scoring offense, mustering just 329.3 yards and 23.3 points per game. While Texas presents a strong defense, a combined 58 points against Fresno State and Arkansas State wasn't encouraging. Making matters worse, top tight end Colston Loveland is now dealing with an injury. The offense desperately needs a spark.
Dual-threat ability?
Orji was viewed as the next in line when he came to Michigan via Sachse (Texas) High School. The third-year player comes from an athletic family; two brothers played at Vanderbilt, including New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji. In his final two years of high school football, Orji rushed for 2,167 yards and 39 touchdowns.
However, Orji's passing has long been a work in progress. In high school, he completed only 51% of his passes. At Michigan, Orji has essentially been disallowed from throwing the football. It's unclear whether Orji will be able to provide much threat in the passing game, or if the offense will double down on running the football behind Moore's signature offensive line.
