JUST IN: Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh Makes Bold Claim on the Scariest, Most Athletic 2024 QB for Michigan Football

assuming Jim Harbaugh gets his way—and assuming he remains with Michigan and in Ann Arbor in the coming months—the forthcoming Rose Bowl game versus Alabama might be more than just a playoff game. It could be a sample of what to expect from sophomore Alex Orji and the quarterback position for Michigan football in 2024.

That’s because what Harbaugh has seen from Alabama’s Jalen Milroe resembles what he’s seen from Michigan’s backup quarterback, Orji. According to Harbaugh, Orji might be ready to take over as QB1 next season if J.J. McCarthy declares for the NFL draft as predicted.

Harbaugh put Orji in the perspective of Alabama’s Milroe, the powerful runner who finished fifth in the Heisman vote this year, in an interview with C.J. Magnum of the website Blue by Ninety.

“He’s like a really polished Alex Orji,” Harbaugh remarked of Milroe, according to Magnum.

He was then asked if he envisioned Orji becoming Michigan’s Milroe in the future. “I do. “I do, indeed.”

Alex Orji Is ‘That Scariest, Most Athletic Guy’ in Michigan Football.
Orji hasn’t seen much action this season, according to Jim Harbaugh. He has played in four games, mostly in wildcat formations, and has not thrown a pass this year (he did throw one as a freshman). He has 11 rushes for 69 yards. He has one touchdown this year after having two previous year.

“I mean, we’re seeing before our eyes with right now with Alex Orji,” Harbaugh said at the time. “And it scares me a little that Jalen Milroe is as athletic as Alex Orji; Alex is like the scariest, most athletic guy on our entire team, you know?” Okay, that was a little frightening.

“(Michigan football) is ecstatic to let Alex loose.” Depending on what JJ performs, I believe he will be right in the (starting QB) mix next year. It’s entertaining to consider.”

At 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds, Orji has the size to be a battering ram quarterback. He was named scout team player of the week for his efforts in preparing the defense for Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser on October 21, a game Michigan won 49-0. Houser only threw for 101 yards and was sacked three times.

Milroe Will Compete for Jim Harbaugh’s D
Still, Alex Orji is a long way from Milroe, and while 2024 may be Orji’s opportunity, Michigan must deal with Milroe in five days. Orji needs to be a top scout team player once more.

The Athletic spoke with multiple unknown SEC assistant coaches this week, and they all paint a bleak image of Michigan’s chances of stopping the Tide quarterback. “(Jalen Milroe’s) going to be a big problem for Michigan,” one defensive backs coach told The Athletic. “No one in the Big Ten compares to him.” He’s the most talented athlete on the team. He can run over your DBs and outrun your linebackers.”

Milroe’s main asset is his ability to turn negative plays into positive ones. Milroe can simply make the Wolverines miss, regardless of how effective Michigan’s defense has been.

“I think Michigan is going to struggle to tackle Milroe,” said an SEC defensive coordinator to The Athletic. “He’s extremely dangerous.” I wasn’t concerned about the quarterback-designed runs. I was concerned about what would happen if the pass was not present and he took off with plenty of space.”