Michigan's Alex Orji to Replace Davis Warren as QB1 vs. USC, Says Sherrone Moore

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore announced Alex Orji will replace Davis Warren as the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against No. 11 USC.

The move comes after Warren struggled mightily through the Wolverines' first three contests. He has thrown for 444 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.

It probably took about six quarters for Michigan fans to feel like the senior isn't the answer under center. During that time, he had a lackluster performance in a 30-10 win over Fresno State and watched Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers thoroughly outclass him as the Longhorns built a 24-3 halftime lead.

The million-dollar question is whether Orji is actually an upgrade when he failed to beat out Warren for the starting job in the first place.

The junior signal-caller hasn't put a lot on tape to this point. For his career, he's 4-of-7 through the air for 20 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 181 yards and three scores on 31 carries.

Orji wasn't a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, either. A 3-star talent, he ranked 30th at his position in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2022 class.

Still, the Michigan offense wasn't going anywhere with Warren at the helm, so the coaching staff had to try something different.

Opposing USC would've been a great way for Orji to transition into the starting role last season. The Trojans defense allowed 246.4 passing yards per game and a 149.7 opponent QB rating in 2023.

The unit looks improved under first-year defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, though.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 308 yards in the Tigers' 27-20 season-opening loss against USC but needed 39 attempts to get there. The Trojans also got an interception to seal the result in the fourth quarter.

Orji could have his hands full against a suddenly stouter USC defense.