Jim Harbaugh has demonstrated a knack for bringing in veteran players to bolster the Michigan Wolverines teams that have made the College Football Playoffs over the past three seasons. Athletes like Olu Oluwatimi, Josaiah Stewart, A.J. Barner, Josh Wallace, among others, have had opportunities to compete for playing time or even starting roles.
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Therefore, when Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle announced his transfer to Ann Arbor last offseason as a graduate transfer, it caught many in the industry by surprise.
Despite being a former team captain at Indiana, Tuttle served primarily as a backup and could have pursued other career paths. Yet, his decision to join Michigan was influenced by his connections with former associate head coach at Indiana, Mike Hart, and Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
In his initial interview as a Michigan quarterback, Tuttle expressed his primary goal of helping the team win a national championship and achieve its objectives.
After Michigan achieved this goal in 2023, Tuttle had the opportunity to move on to the next phase of his career. Instead, he sought an eligibility waiver for a seventh season, which was granted in February.
While many anticipated that Alex Orji, Jayden Denegal, or incoming freshman Jadyn Davis would be the starting quarterback in the fall of 2024, Tuttle’s return significantly alters the situation.
Tuttle, who served as J.J. McCarthy’s backup last season, possesses the most experience in the quarterback room. He has appeared in 22 games throughout his career, demonstrating proficiency in both passing and rushing.
Tuttle’s return is viewed as valuable for the team’s culture and cohesion, given his leadership qualities and familiarity with the offense. As a seventh-year player and former college captain, Tuttle brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
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Despite the attention on other quarterbacks, Tuttle remains a viable option for the starting role in the upcoming season. His potential selection as the Wolverines’ signal-caller in 2024 could parallel Jake Rudock’s transfer from Iowa to Michigan in the early stages of the Harbaugh era.
Ultimately, Tuttle’s leadership and experience may position him as a strong candidate for the starting quarterback role in 2024.
