Michigan Football: QB preview and depth chart prediction for spring

Michigan football is getting set for spring practice next week and here’s a breakdown of the quarterback position and a depth chart prediction. 

Last year at this time, the quarterback position was the No. 1 topic of conversation regarding Michigan football.

The focus was on the upcoming battle between Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. Yet, McCarthy ended up missing the spring and it seemed like McNamara was in line to start the entire season.

However, we all know what happened. McCarthy closed the gap during the fall and in his first start against Hawaii last season, J.J. earned the job for good. He wasn’t perfect last season but he completed 64.5 percent of his passes and tossed 22 touchdowns.

McCarthy also ran for 304 yards and five touchdowns and threw for over 2,700 yards so there’s no question who will be starting for Michigan football next season.

The thing I’m more interested in this spring is the backup quarterback job. So, let’s look ahead to the spring and what to expect from the quarterback position for Michigan football.

Who will be J.J. McCarthy’s backup?

Former walk-on Davis Warren was rewarded with a scholarship this offseason by Jim Harbaugh and it was a good move. Warren is loved by the Michigan football staff and it seems like there’s a good chance he takes over for McCarthy, or at least has the opportunity to.

Warren will get more reps this spring, although not that many because McCarthy was out last spring. McCarthy will get the No. 1 reps but I’d expect the younger quarterbacks to get plenty of reps too as Michigan tries to figure out what it has in Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal.

There are some talented arms behind McCarthy and they have plenty of eligibility left. Orji got some snaps last season and he’s an exciting dual-threat option. He does have a strong arm and loads of upside.

And since Michigan didn’t sign a highly-ranked quarterback in 2022 or 2023, Michigan football is counting on these other quarterbacks to deliver on their potential and this spring will be important in the development of all three quarterbacks behind McCarthy.

As far as J.J., keeping him healthy and continuing to make small improvements will be the focus for a guy with clear first-round talent. He’s also fresh off a 13-1 campaign and a Big Ten championship during the 2022 season.