How should the Michigan wolverine fill out the QB depth chart for 2024?

Michigan post-spring depth chart: Where we believe things stand at QB

Updated: May. 03, 2024, 2:05 p.m.|Published: May. 03, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
michigan football spring game
Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jack Tuttle (13) hugs Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) at the end of the game after Michigan football’s Spring Game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Maize team defeated Blue 17-7.
By Aaron McMann | amcmann@mlive.com
Spring is over and Michigan football finds itself in an interesting position heading into the offseason.

The defending national champions return five starters on defense and a whole bunch of others with experience, while numerous questions remain on the offensive side of the ball.

Some positions are settled heading into fall camp, while others are still up for grabs. Battles at quarterback, right tackle and in the secondary remain.

And that’s not counting the recent additions made through the transfer portal.

Through interviews, behind-the-scenes intel and spring game observations, here’s how we believe things stood coming out of spring.

Note: None of the recent incoming transfers are included in the two-deep, though we explain how each addition might impact his respective position.

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Davis Warren (16) calls a play during Michigan football’s Spring Game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Maize team defeated Blue 17-7.
Quarterback
1. Alex Orji

2. Davis Warren

This wound up being closer than many of us on the outside thought, with the 6-foot-3, 236-pound Orji getting the nod thanks to his dual-threat ability. Warren impressed in the spring game with his deep ball and looks to be the better pure passer of the two, but Orji’s legs help unlock an added dimension to an offense with a new offensive line and few established weapons on the outside.

Where seventh-year quarterback Jack Tuttle enters into this equation this fall might be the bigger question. Tuttle has the most experience of anyone at the position, having already started five games at the Big Ten level and establishing himself as the backup to J.J. McCarthy last season before injuries limited his availability.

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Max Reyes (31) tackles Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) during Michigan football’s Spring Game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Maize team defeated Blue 17-7.
Running back
1. Donovan Edwards

2. Kalel Mullings

There is no mystery at the running back spot. Donovan Edwards is the clear No. 1 after backing up Blake Corum the last couple of years, giving Michigan’s home-run hitter an opportunity to showcase his ability on an every-down basis. Edwards rushed for 991 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore, a reminder of what he can do when things are working. Look for Kalel Mullings to continue as Michigan’s short-yardage back, while sophomore Ben Hall works his way into the rotation.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Sonny Styles (6) tackles Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) as Michigan hosts Ohio State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25 2023.
Tight end
1. Colston Loveland

2. Marlin Klein

Starting tight end Colston Loveland is back for his junior season and already garnering first-round grades for next year’s NFL draft, setting the stage for a big year. Don’t be surprised if the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Loveland leads the Wolverines in receptions. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers, with good hands and an unreal vertical. Look for 6-foot-6, 250-pound Marlin Klein to contribute too, especially with the dearth of receiving options. Max Bredeson will also field a regular blocking role to help bolster a still-in-progress offensive line.

Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Myles Hinton (78) during the game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Christina Merrill | MLive.com
Offensive line
Left tackle: 1. Myles Hinton, 2. Evan Link

Left guard: 1. Josh Priebe, 2. Dominick Giudice

Center: 1. Greg Crippen, 2. Raheem Anderson

Right guard: 1. Giovanni El-Hadi, 2. Nathan Efobi

Right tackle: 1. Jeffrey Persi OR Andrew Gentry

The starting spots are just about set, save for a battle at right tackle expected to continue into preseason camp. Myles Hinton is the lone carryover from last season’s group, while transfer Josh Priebe (Northwestern) brings a wealth of starting experience at guard. Senior Greg Crippen has patiently waited his turn, as has junior guard Giovanni El-Hadi. Evan Link and Nathan Efobi were quietly mentioned as spring standouts, giving us an idea as to who might provide depth.

Michigan wide receiver Semaj Morgan (82) breaks free after a catch during the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. The winner of the game advances to the College Football Playoff championship game.
Wide receiver
X: 1. Tyler Morris, 2. Peyton O’Leary

Z: 1. Semaj Morgan, 2. Fred Moore

We’re going to assume Michigan lines up two tight ends on the field more often than not. The Wolverines came out of spring with just five scholarship receivers on the roster, a group that includes converted quarterback Kendrick Bell. Options are limited, though Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore and Tyler Morris are all expected to be focal points of the passing game. The Wolverines are set to add transfers C.J. Charleston (Youngstown State) and Amorion Walker (Ole Miss), the latter a two-way player projected to wind up on offense, to the team this summer.

Michigan linebacker Derrick Moore (8) runs a drill during practice at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. (Neil Blake | MLive.com)
Defensive line
End: 1. Derrick Moore, 2. TJ Guy

End: 1. Josaiah Stewart, 2. Kechaun Bennett

Tackle: 1. Kenneth Grant, 2. Rayshaun Benny

Tackle: 1. Mason Graham, 2. Enow Etta

Another group that’s largely set, thanks to a pair of returning all-Big Ten tackles and edge rushers who saw significant playing time last year. Graham is another projected first-round NFL prospect who should command plenty of attention, while Rayshaun Benny serves as a capable backstop. We heard plenty about TJ Guy in spring, making him a breakout candidate this fall.

Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann warms up during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Linebacker
1. Jaishawn Barham, 2. Jaydon Hood

1. Ernest Hausmann, 2. Micah Pollard

Michigan will turn to a pair of transfers at inside linebacker this year after losing Junior Colson and Michael Barrett to the NFL. Ernest Hausmann sat behind both last season after transferring in from Nebraska, while Jaishawn Barham (Maryland) comes in ready to roll. Look for Jaydon Hood to serve as the third backer, though proven depth remains a concern after a pair of recent transfer portal departures.

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) handles Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Isaiah Washington (14) as Michigan hosts Rutgers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com
Secondary
Cornerback: 1. Will Johnson, 2. Myles Pollard

Cornerback: 1. Jyaire Hill, 2. Keshaun Harris

Safety: 1. Makari Paige, 2. Brandyn Hillman

Safety: 1. Quinten Johnson, 2. Kody Jones

Nickel: 1. Zeke Berry, 2. Ja’Den McBurrows

Depth remains an issue in the secondary, which lost starting safety Rod Moore to injury, reserve Keon Sabb to Alabama and reserve corner DJ Waller to Kentucky this offseason. All-American corner Will Johnson is back, as is starting safety Makari Paige, giving the Wolverines some peace of mind. Quinten Johnson elected to return for a sixth year and will likely be called into a starting role, while junior Zeke Berry seized the nickel spot. Like linebacker, depth in the backfield remains an issue coming out of spring. Michigan is reportedly working the transfer portal to try and rectify that.

Michigan Wolverines place kicker Tommy Doman (19) punts the ball during Michigan football’s Spring Game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Maize team defeated Blue 17-7.
Special teams
Kicker: Adam Samaha

Punter: Tommy Doman

Returns: Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore

Punter Tommy Doman is back, and we expect receivers Semaj Morgan and Fred Moore to play a huge impact in the return game. After spring practice concluded, Arkansas State’s Dominic Zvada announced his commitment to the Wolverines, presumably giving them a new option on fields goals and extra points. Look for Zvada to come in during preseason camp and best Samaha, who could be resigned to kickoffs this fall.