As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, former Michigan quarterback Alex Orji announced his commitment to UNLV on Saturday night. The dual-threat signal-caller heads west following a challenging 2024 season that saw him make only three starts for the Michigan Wolverines.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior entered 2024 as Michigan’s presumptive starter but struggled to establish himself in the passing game. After taking over in Week 4 against USC, he never found his footing, finishing the season completing just 26 of 48 passes for 155 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Although Orji underperformed through the air during his tenure at Michigan, he managed to stand out on the ground, adding 392 career rushing yards and four touchdowns with the Wolverines.
Despite entering the transfer portal in December, Orji stayed with Michigan through their ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama, stepping in after Davis Warren’s ACL injury. He completed 2 of 3 passes for 2 yards with an interception and rushed for 9 yards in the 19-13 win.
At UNLV, Orji will play under newly hired head coach Dan Mullen but faces competition from Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea, who brings two years of starting experience. Orji has two years of eligibility remaining.
The move marks another dramatic shift in Michigan’s quarterback landscape following J.J. McCarthy’s departure. The Wolverines have added five-star freshman Bryce Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, while Warren also expects to return from his injury next season. Being in such a crowded room of elite talent, Orji saw the writing on wall, making what will likely be a smart decision for his career in the long run.
