After a tough 51-45 loss to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal on December 31, 2022, Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy promised that the team would come back stronger. They delivered on that promise by going 15-0 and winning the national championship in 2023. As McCarthy and other key players moved on, they passed the torch to the next generation, including junior quarterback Alex Orji, who is vying for the starting position.
Orji emphasized that the team’s work ethic and culture were key to their success. On the ‘Up The Score’ podcast, he discussed how the team immediately began preparing for the next season right after their loss to TCU, stating that their dedication is a year-round effort. Orji highlighted the importance of the entire team working together, acknowledging that the effort required to win a national championship is immense and constantly evolving. He noted that each year brings new challenges, especially with changes in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff format. Orji is committed to pushing himself and his teammates to new levels of hard work and determination as they aim to defend their title.