Michigan has made its quarterback decision — and it’s a historic one. Head coach Sherrone Moore confirmed Monday that true freshman Bryce Underwood will start under center when the Wolverines open their 2025 season against New Mexico.
The move is notable not just for what it says about Underwood’s performance, but for how rare it is. Underwood becomes just the fourth true freshman in program history to start a season opener at quarterback, joining Rick Leach (1975), Chad Henne (2004), and Tate Forcier (2009).
Underwood’s rise: leadership, performance, and opportunity
Moore said Underwood “earned the opportunity” during fall camp, a period described as competitive across the depth chart. The announcement ends weeks of speculation after Underwood, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, drew widespread attention for his maturity and command of the offense during practice.
There were other factors at play. Junior transfer Mikey Keene, the expected front-runner heading into the offseason, has been recovering from an injury. That opened the door for Underwood, who didn’t waste time capitalizing on the opportunity.
QB depth chart set, with youth at the helm
Behind Underwood, redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis has been named the backup for Week 1. Keene and other transfers remain in the mix, but their roles will likely depend on recovery timelines and how the season unfolds.
It’s a young quarterback room, but one with upside. Davis, a former top-100 recruit himself, offers insurance if needed. Still, the job now belongs to Underwood, and the staff appears fully behind the decision.
All eyes on Michigan’s passing game reboot
After a lackluster 2024 campaign that saw the Wolverines struggle through the air, the offensive reset is underway. Underwood isn’t alone. Five-star left tackle Andrew Babalola is expected to protect the blindside as a day-one starter, and several impact transfers are arriving with starting-level experience (including two SEC skill players and an All-ACC slot receiver).
Helping to steer the offense is new coordinator Chip Lindsey, hired in the offseason to modernize Michigan’s attack and get more production out of its quarterback play. Lindsey’s scheme leans into tempo, quarterback mobility, and vertical passing — all areas where Underwood reportedly excelled during camp.
Bottom line: the pressure is on
When you sign the nation’s No. 1 recruit, expectations inevitably follow. Michigan fans have seen this story before, but seldom with this level of talent from day one. Whether Underwood can meet the hype is still uncertain — but for now, the ball, and the spotlight, are firmly his in Ann Arbor.