ANN ARBOR - The NCAA transfer portal is open, and Michigan has its sights on adding a quarterback.
Speaking to media Tuesday in Ann Arbor, head coach Sherrone Moore said the Wolverines are "definitely looking" for a signal-caller in the portal for the 2025 season.
Michigan's passing offense finished No. 130 of 134 FBS teams in 2024 and have already added reinforcements at the position, signing two quarterback recruits in the 2025 last week, including five-star Bryce Underwood, the nation's top-ranked prospect.
What that means for senior Davis Warren and junior Alex Orji, who each started games for the Wolverines this season, remains to be seen. Warren, a former walk-on, started the last five games after being benched earlier this season and is continuing to practice as the team prepares to face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
According to Moore, Warren knows Michigan is pursuing a transfer quarterback.
"Very transparent with all our guys," Moore said early Tuesday evening. "I don't ever say one thing and (do) another, so he's aware of it and he's OK with it and we've talked about it."
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Moore said he is looking to bring in a signal-caller with experience. Underwood is considered the quarterback of the future and will likely be in the mix to start as a freshman, but a veteran could also push for the No. 1 job and serve as a stopgap.
"A guy that's going to be a great leader, great teammate, obviously have the ability to play and got to be a great fit," Moore said of what he is looking for in a portal quarterback. "That's going to be the No. 1 piece."
Hiring an offensive coordinator is usually a prerequisite before landing a quarterback in the portal, and Michigan appears to be zeroing in on naming Kirk Campbell's replacement.
Moore said during his news conference that he was "pretty close" to wrapping up his search. Later Tuesday night, CBS Sports reported that Michigan is expected to hire Chip Lindsey, North Carolina's offensive coordinator, to fill the same role in Ann Arbor.
Unlike last season, when Jim Harbaugh's future was uncertain and the Wolverines were preparing for the College Football Playoff when the portal opened, they can be more diligent in their approach this year. The portal opened last week for graduate students and on Monday for undergrads.
"When I first got the job, the transfer portal was closed," Moore said. "It was just people trying to take our guys and it was constant defense. Now we get to play with offense and we get to go out in the portal and get the right guys and the right fit for us. So that's where it's advantage us now, where we feel we can get the right people. And it's still all about fit, right? You got to get the right fit and the right type of guy that wants to be here, that wants to support the block M and be a part of Michigan and not be selfish in their endeavors of what they want. Ultimately, you got to want to help the team. It's got to be 'team over me.' Those are the type of guys we want here."