(BCSNN) — Stanford has named Davis Warren, a transfer from Michigan, as its starting quarterback to open the 2026 season, first‑year head coach Tavita Pritchard announced Tuesday.

Pritchard said Warren’s preparation, attention to detail and command of the position separated him in a competition that included senior Dylan Rizk, freshman Michael Mitchell Jr., and multiple others throughout camp.

“He’s dedicated and committed to not just who he is as a player, but how he can affect others as a leader, as the quarterback,” said Pritchard, a former Stanford signal‑caller. “I’m really excited for him.”

Stanford opens the season Aug. 29 at home against Hawai‘i before hosting national runner‑up Miami on Sept. 4, a matchup that will serve as the ACC opener for both programs.

Warren started nine games for Michigan in 2024, leading the Wolverines with 1,119 passing yards and seven touchdowns, though he also threw nine interceptions. His season ended with a torn ACL in his right knee suffered in Michigan’s bowl game against Alabama, sidelining him for all of 2025 before he transferred to Stanford in January.

A native of Manhattan Beach, California, Warren’s path to college football was shaped by adversity. He was diagnosed with leukemia as a high school junior but returned to the field and eventually walked on at Michigan, later earning a scholarship.

With Warren now atop the depth chart, Stanford enters the season with a quarterback who has both Power Five starting experience and a history of overcoming challenges — traits Pritchard said resonated throughout camp.