Coach: No. 24 Michigan likely to use third different starting QB

Quarterback Jack Tuttle is expected to make his first start for No. 24 Michigan when the Wolverines return from a bye week to visit No. 22 Illinois on Oct. 19.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore brought Tuttle in against Washington last week to replace starter Alex Orji. Tuttle, in his first action of the year, went 10-for-18 for 98 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a lost fumble during Michigan’s 27-17 defeat to the Huskies.

“I think right now he gives us the best chance to win,” Moore said of Tuttle on Wednesday on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. “We’ll continue to process that as an offense, as a team, but that looks like the direction we’re heading.”

Tuttle would be the third quarterback to start this season for Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten). The Wolverines started the year with Davis Warren under center before benching him for Orji against Arkansas State on Sept. 14.

Orji earned wins over Southern California and Minnesota before being benched against Washington.

Tuttle transferred to Michigan from Indiana ahead of the 2023 season and was the backup quarterback for the Wolverines’ national-championship-winning team last year.

Tuttle has played in 22 games since 2019. He has completed a combined 129 of 217 passes (59.4 percent) for 1,129 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in that span.

Orji has connected on 23 of 43 passes (53.5 percent) for 148 yards, three touchdowns and one interception this year. Warren is 48 for 72 (66.7 percent) for 444 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.