Alex Orji Transfer Portal: 5 potential landing spots
As Michigan just added the nation's No. 1 quarterback recruit, it's not shocking that QB Alex Orji is hitting the transfer portal. Orji, who was more of a runner than a passer, was a part-time QB for the Wolverines in 2024. But with Michigan looking to emphasize the pass more, Orji is headed for another school.
As a passer, Orji was 24-for-45 at Michigan for 153 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His 3.4 yards per pass attempt suggests that he didn't develop much in the passing game. Orji did rush 74 times for 383 yards and four touchdowns in his Wolverine career.
Michigan gave Orji a shot at the starting job early in 2024, but he was ultimately supplanted by former walk-on Davis Warren. Now the dual-threat standout from Texas can re-evaluate his possibilities.
Here are five possible portal destinations that might make sense for Orji.
Alex Orji Transfer Portal: 5 potential landing spots
#5. Baylor
Orji is a Texas guy and 247Sports reported that Baylor was the first school to offer him a scholarship. Sawyer Robertson is likely returning for the Bears, but Orji could be a complementary dual-threat QB for another season, filling the role that Dequan Finn, now a senior, played in 2024.
The other possibility here is that Orji makes a move from the QB position. Given his size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds), Orji could easily transition to tight end or running back. He might even be of interest to Baylor at another position.
#4. Kansas
The Jayhawks like mobile QBs, as Jalon Daniels proves. Like Robertson at Baylor, he might not be going anyplace immediately. Either way, Kansas could utilize Orji as a backup who gets some game action.
After all, an injury is never more than a play away. Orji could be a back-up QB and maybe even see time at other positions, as suggested above. In any case, the Jayhawks, who recruited Orji pretty strongly back in his high school days, might not turn down an opportunity to link with him again.
#3. Oklahoma
The Sooners are coming off a rough season and could probably use some QB help. After all, starter Jackson Arnold has hit the transfer portal. Oklahoma probably would utilize Orji either as a Wildcat QB or as a multi-position athlete. While he's unlikely to be QB1 for the Sooners, a 6-6 Oklahoma team that needs athletes everywhere would be useful.
OU recruited Orji in his first recruitment and have certainly fallen on harder times since. Maybe Orji and Oklahoma would be a useful pairing.
#2. Houston
The Cougars might be an easy landing spot for Orji. The 4-8 Cougars scored just 14.0 points per game and top passer Donovan Smith was a senior. The combination of moving closer to home and getting to play in a familiar spot could be significant.
Houston is another team that was in on Orji in his initial recruitment. They're a potential player in the second round.
#1. Virginia Tech
Orji's recruitment nearly ended at Virginia Tech. He committed to the Hokies before changing his mind and switching to Michigan at the 11th hour. The 6-6 Hokies could use some offensive help. QB Kyron Drones has a fairly similar skill set to Orji, as a dual-threat guy. While Drones has another season ahead, that doesn't mean Orji wouldn't be strongly considered.
Again, the ability to either be a Wildcat QB or a multi-position guy who uses his athleticism out on the perimeter could help. Tech and Orji could get a second act if the circumstances align.
What do you think of Orji's portal possibilities? Share your takes in the comments section below.