East Carolina transfer quarterback Jake Garcia signs with Michigan

Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore have made a late roster addition through the NCAA transfer portal. Former East Carolina quarterback Jake Garcia has signed with the Wolverines, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Garcia has had a long journey throughout his college football career, but Ann Arbor will be his next stop.

In six games last season for East Carolina, Garcia threw for 1,426 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 60.2% of his throws. He appeared set to remain with the Pirates ahead of the 2025 season after staying through the winter portal window. However, an absence from practice back in April meant Garcia was going to explore future options.

Garcia was ranked a three-star prospect by the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings. On a national scale, he sits at No. 1,075 and No. 77 when looking at just quarterbacks. More than likely, Michigan is just looking to add depth to the room.

True freshman Bryce Underwood appears set to start in Michigan’s season opener against New Mexico on Aug. 30. One week later, the team will travel down to Norman for a massive showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners. Moore may have a little more invested in that game after spending his playing days with the Sooners.

Being a late portal addition, Garcia will get going with the team for summer workouts. Before he can blink, fall practice will be underway to prepare for the 2025 season.

More on Jake Garcia, career journey

Garcia played high school football at Loganville (GA) Graysonville, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 53 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Miami was able to win out for Garcia during his high school recruitment. He eventually turned into the starter after Tyler Van Dyke was benched during the 2022 season, Garcia’s second on campus. But he decided to enter the transfer portal for the first time in his career once the year was over.

This opened the door for Missouri to sign Garcia and bring him into their quarterback room. Garcia competed with Brady Cook and wound up on the losing end. Cook started throughout 2023 and eventually 2024, although Garcia was not in the program anymore.

Garcia has played in 15 games throughout his career, throwing for 2,376 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.