Wolverine Digest

BREAKING: Sherrone Moore names Bryce Underwood starter, announces QB2 for Michigan

We've known for awhile that Underwood was going to start, but what about the backup?
Trent Knoop|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

247Sports' Matt Zenitz reported on Sunday night that Michigan would name Bryce Underwood the starting QB on Monday -- that's exactly what happened. During his weekly press conference, head coach Sherrone Moore announced the five-star freshman gunslinger would lead the Wolverines out onto the field on Saturday night against New Mexico.

It was the worst-kept secret in college football that Underwood would be the starter. Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene was injured most of spring and didn't get too much opportunity with the starters. Whereas both Underwood and sophomore Jadyn Davis had full reign with the starters this spring. Underwood continued to show why he was the top-ranked recruit in the 2026 cycle, and was named the starter.

“He’s earned the opportunity. It was not given to him,” Moore said. “He took ownership of the team. He’s going to make mistakes. That’s what we’re here for.”

Moore also noted that Davis was the No. 2 QB on the depth chart entering New Mexico week. Which means neither transfer -- Keene or Jake Garcia -- is currently backing up Underwood. If the Wolverines blow out New Mexico, which is expected, fans might see the former highly-touted recruit getting some playing time on Saturday night.

Keene, who suffered an injury this spring, is still working back from that injury, and might still be a few weeks away from playing in the maize and blue.

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Predicting 2025 stats for several Michigan football offensive starters -- including Bryce Underwood

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Realistic expectations for Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood in 2025

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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