The Detroit Lions are kicking off their preseason earlier than usual, giving fans an unexpected treat—football in July. That’s right, the Lions are hitting the field sooner than expected, and they’ll be squaring off against the Los Angeles Chargers in a matchup that carries extra intrigue for Michigan fans. Why? Because the Chargers are now under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, the coach who recently guided the Michigan Wolverines to a national title.
Ahead of the game, Harbaugh has revealed his quarterback plans. He announced that Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback for the Chargers and is set to stay on the field until the third quarter. Following Lance, undrafted rookie D.J. Uiagalelei will take over for the remainder of the contest.
Trey Lance to Lead Chargers Against Detroit
Lance, who previously served as a backup quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys, joined the Chargers this offseason. His presence adds a level of NFL experience that Detroit’s younger players will need to contend with. Last year, Lance saw limited action, stepping in while Dak Prescott was sidelined due to injury. However, during most of that stretch, it was Michigan native Cooper Rush who assumed quarterback duties. Rush has since moved on to the Baltimore Ravens.
As the game approaches, fans will be watching to see how the Lions’ roster hopefuls match up against someone like Lance, who’s seen more snaps than a typical preseason opponent.
Harbaugh Still a Believer in Aidan Hutchinson
During his time coaching at Michigan, Harbaugh frequently praised star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who now plays for the Lions. At a press conference in October 2023, Harbaugh reflected on Hutchinson’s rapid success in the pros.
“I said before that Aidan should’ve been the top pick in the draft,” Harbaugh noted. “That interception he made on the screen pass—just incredible. One-handed grab. He’s doing an outstanding job, and it’s showing in his numbers. It’s a great time to be a football fan here in Michigan.”
A Long History of Praise
This admiration wasn’t new. Back in October 2021, while Hutchinson was still playing under Harbaugh at Michigan, the coach commended him for his tenacity and impact during games—even noting how often opponents had to hold him to try to slow him down.
“He was dominant,” Harbaugh said on the Inside Michigan Football radio program. “He’s nearly impossible to block. They had no choice but to hold him. Yet, he keeps playing at an MVP-caliber level.”
He went on to say, “Aidan just keeps grinding. He’s tough to contain, and while you always hope officials call it fair, that’s not always the case. Still, we send the plays in for review when needed.”
Now, Hutchinson and Harbaugh find themselves on opposing sidelines. While Hutchinson may not see playing time during the preseason to avoid injury risk, he’ll undoubtedly be involved in some capacity. The shared history between coach and former player adds a compelling layer to this early preseason showdown.
