At one point, Jadyn Davis looked like the future of Michigan football. A four-star recruit, a top-10 quarterback in the 2024 class, and an early enrollee with big expectations - Davis was widely seen as the next in line after J.J.
McCarthy. But now, less than two years into his college career, Davis is heading for the transfer portal, in search of a fresh start.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Davis plans to enter the portal once it opens - either in early January during the national transfer window, or within 15 days of Michigan hiring a new head coach, a window that opens for all Wolverines players following the firing of Sherrone Moore.
Davis is the first known Michigan player to announce his intent to transfer following Moore’s dismissal last week. Moore was let go after the university determined he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
For Davis, it’s a significant turn from the path many expected. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 207 pounds, the Charlotte, North Carolina native came to Ann Arbor with serious pedigree.
He starred at Providence Day School and ranked as the No. 9 quarterback in the country according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He even enrolled early, joining the program during its Rose Bowl preparations in December 2023.
But the on-field opportunities never really came. Over two seasons - including a redshirt freshman year in 2024 - Davis appeared in just four games and threw only two passes. One of them, unfortunately, was picked off during a 31-13 road loss to USC this past October.
Throughout a turbulent 2024 season, Michigan’s quarterback room was in constant flux. Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle all saw time under center, but none managed to grab the job with authority.
That led to growing calls from fans to give Davis a shot. But the coaching staff consistently suggested he wasn’t quite ready to take the reins.
Now, Davis becomes the latest example of how quickly things can change in today’s college football landscape. Once tabbed as a potential cornerstone of the program, he’ll now look to reboot his career elsewhere - with three years of eligibility still in his pocket.
As for Michigan, they’re preparing to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 in Orlando. It remains unclear whether Davis will still be on the roster or make the trip with the team. Either way, the Wolverines are entering bowl season with more uncertainty than they’d hoped for - and one fewer quarterback in the room.