Assessing latest transfer portal quarterbacks for Michigan football

Former four-star quarterback Jaden Rashada entered the transfer portal on Thursday, making him the most high-profile quarterback to do so this spring, which is relevant of course to Michigan football.

The Wolverines have to replace J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. That’s a tall task. There have been positive rumblings about Alex Orji in spring ball. But there have also been reports of the defense dominating and the offense struggling to move the ball.

Michigan football fans will get their first glimpse on Saturday at Orji. Davis Warren has also come on and Jadyn Davis has created some positive buzz. Jack Tuttle has been injured, so I don’t expect to see him. The staff has an idea of what he can do already.

Jaden Rashada makes zero sense for Michigan football

But the four young quarterbacks should get plenty of snaps on Saturday in the Michigan football spring game. As far as Rashada, some Wolverines fans acted excited on social media, but this has zero chance of happening.

Rashada has been known for chasing NIL deals and we know the Wolverines don’t pay for play like that. Beyond that, Rashada is rumored to be landing at Georgia. Besides, he wouldn’t be a clear upgrade. Yes, he was a top-100 recruit and near five-star quarterback at one time, but last season, he attempted 82 passes and completed 53.7 percent. The 6-foot-4 freshman had four touchdown passes, three interceptions, and a QBR of 23.4.

That’s far from a sure upgrade over Orji, who already knows the system. He’s been on the field in big moments and while he hasn’t thrown the ball, he’s taken snaps in a national title game. I also think he’ll be able to convert 53 percent of his passes this season. Hopefully, that number is around 60 but with his elite running ability, I wouldn’t consider Rashada over him, at least for this season and long term, I’d rather have Jadyn Davis as my future QB1.

Another former starter enters the portal

Another experienced quarterback entered the portal in Utah State’s Cooper Legas. He’s played 19 games over the past two seasons and has thrown for 3,485 yards in his career to go along with 32 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions. His completion percentage is 62.5 too.

However, I don’t see Legas being an upgrade over Tuttle. The former Indiana quarterback hasn’t played much for Michigan football, but he completed 88 percent of his passes last season. He has started Big Ten games before and if he played for Utah State, my guess is he puts up similar numbers.

Tuttle was a four-star quarterback recruit for a reason and I still think he could have a season not unlike Cade McNamara in 2021 if Orji isn’t quite ready. I also think a time-share situation makes sense.

But none of the guys currently in the transfer portal do, especially Jaden Rashada.