Regarding the starting quarterback duel in Ann Arbor, Michigan football’s fall camp has provided us with some important information.

Prior to fall camp, redshirt sophomore Alex Orji, redshirt junior Davis Warren, and graduate senior Jack Tuttle were thought to be the three best candidates for the position. However, primary studio host Dave Revsine disclosed one of the three has dropped out of the contest during Big Ten Network’s unique peek inside the Wolverines’ training camp tonight.

Revsine stated on the air, “It’s not going to be Jack Tuttle, at least not at first.” “He’s working his back from an injury, so it’s a two-man race at quarterback.”

This supports some of the rumors that have been circulating in the last several weeks regarding Michigan’s quarterback competition. Tuttle is still dealing with problems related to an elbow UCL tear he sustained during the previous season, which prevented him from participating in any spring practice. Backing up 2023 starter J.J. McCarthy last season, the graduate senior, who was awarded a seventh season of NCAA eligibility in February, completed 15 of 17 pass attempts for 130 yards and a score. On four carries, he added 35 yards of rush yardage.

With less than two weeks until Michigan’s season-opening game against Fresno State on August 31, Tuttle appears to be out of the running, leaving Orji and Warren to make the final selection. Orji’s only throw attempt throughout his time in college was a five-yard completion in 2022. The redshirt sophomore has run for 123 yards and three running scores in his career. He was used as a wildcat quarterback in special situations during the previous season.

While Warren had a strong showing in the Wolverines’ spring game this past April, he failed to complete any of his five pass attempts last season, though he did manage to throw an interception. Warren, who is in his fourth season in the program, has completed five of his fourteen career pass attempts for 89 yards.

Concerning Orji and Warren, former great Michigan tight end Jake Butt shared some unsettling information during the offense versus. defense portion of the Wolverines’ practice on Tuesday.”What I saw was… you’re going against that Wink Martindale, Baltimore-scheme defense—vvery confusing, lot of guys at the line of scrimmage, it’s not a clean picture,” said Butt. Thus, it is imperative that these guys have bright minds. They’d been waiting for the picture to show up a couple of times today. Both against this defense and at the collegiate football level, you are unable to accomplish that. They must reach the stage when they can anticipate events and perceive them in their minds before they happen. So that they arrive on time—we’ve seen a pick-six occur if you arrive late when Will Johnson is cornered. Consequently, a key determining factor in this quarterback competition will be mental toughness.

Butt compared the contest between Orji and Warren in 2021 and 2022 to a youthful McCarthy taking against a more seasoned Cade McNamara.

“It could be a problem, but I think they’ve been here before with Cade and J.J.,” said Butt. Everybody possessed distinct skill sets. Cade was more of a pocket passer when J.J. was younger, and he was more of a runner. Additionally, I believe that both of these players will participate in Week 1. If Orji isn’t the starter, I believe he will at least have some packages produced.

Gerry DiNardo of BTN felt the same way.

“I saw two quarterbacks that have different skillsets, and I think that’s the major problem,” DiNardo stated. Two of Michigan’s first four games are against Texas and USC, which is unusual for the team. This presents a challenge for any offense designed around Warren or Orji. Thus, there’s a sense of urgency to find a solution for the quarterback dilemma.

“It’s obvious that each of your two packages is distinct, which highlights your propensity to be a defensive staff member. Thus, these are the four plays that Orji runs in the game, to give a fictitious example. Thus, when there’s another quarterback in there, they don’t run the same plays. Having a package becomes a little bit of a concern as the season progresses because the defense can really scheme you.”

The lone commentator to weigh in on Michigan’s starting lineup was Howard Griffith of the Big Ten Network, who said he liked how Orji complemented the Wolverines’ offensive style.

Griffith remarked, “I like what Orji brings to the table.” “This offensive line seems like it’s going to be right back where it belongs—a huge, dominant O-line—if you want to be more of a run-dominated team. Therefore, I believe that having a quarterback that allows you to move around will help you get opportunities against teams like [Texas and USC]. It is undeniable that he needs to improve as a passer. However, I want him to stay in the game so he can keep getting experience.”