3 reasons adding QB Jake Garcia was a smart move by Michigan football

Michigan football officially added Jake Garcia to the roster on Monday and here's why it's a smart move for the Wolverines.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore watches a play behind quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore watches a play behind quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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A backup beyond 2025

There's also a chance that Garcia spends more than one season with Michigan football, that would make this addition even more valuable for the Wolverines.

Back in 2021, Garcia was 11-of-14 for 147 yards and two touchdowns in his college debut for Miami before suffering a season-ending injury. Garcia also redshirted in 2023 after playing eight games for the Hurricanes in the 2022 season. He threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns against Duke. He had another game with 195 yards.

However, he redshirted with Missouri in 2023. So if Garcia applied for a medical redshirt for the 2021 season, which he should get, the quarterback would have another year of eligibility. That would give Michigan a veteran backup, who is a holdover, familiar with the offense, for 2026.

Garcia has been heralded as a good teammate. He lost the starting job at ECU last season and didn't make any waves, which is exactly what Michigan wants right now.

Underwood is the star of the show. So, a veteran who can also be a mentor, with the chance to play two seasons, is the perfect addition for Michigan.