Michigan has named true freshman Bryce Underwood its starting quarterback, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Head coach Sherrone Moore is set to make the announcement official on Monday.
The 18-year-old Underwood beat out transfer Mikey Keene, veteran Davis Warren, redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis and Jake Garcia for the starting job.
Underwood was the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class. His selection seemed likely in an open quarterback competition, but Moore maintained the competition until the week of Michigan’s season opener against New Mexico.
Zenitz reported Sunday that Moore informed his team of the decision Sunday. An official announcement will come Monday.
The decision ends a quarterback competition that included players with different backgrounds. Underwood’s talent always made him the favorite, but whether Michigan would start him immediately or develop him on the bench remained unclear.
In July, Moore said Underwood “is not the starter right now.” The coach said the team would figure that out during camp.
Moore held to his word, waiting until Week 1 to make his decision.
What makes Underwood different
Underwood may enter his true freshman season without college experience, but he’s considered mature for his age. His 6-4 frame and processing skills make him a candidate to succeed immediately.
If Underwood stays healthy, there’s a good chance he holds Michigan’s starting job long-term.
He’ll become the fourth-ever true freshman quarterback to start for Michigan in a season opener. The last was Tate Forcier in 2009.
“He’s been amazing. Awesome human being. Puts in a ton of work. Already commands a room, even with as young as he is. Has a goal to learn everybody’s name in the building and gives the janitor the same respect that he gives the head coach. As a leader, he just gets it.”
A source told CBS Sports about Underwood in June.
The competition
While Underwood’s status made him the favorite, Keene was viewed as Michigan’s other realistic option. Keene brought experience with 39 college games at UCF and Fresno State.
In 2024, he threw for 2,892 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Given Michigan’s expectations to contend for titles, Keene would have been a reasonable veteran choice.
Davis, Garcia and Warren were also in the mix. Davis is a homegrown talent, Garcia made previous stops at East Carolina, Miami and Missouri, and Warren is heading into his senior season with the Wolverines.
Moore noted earlier in August that all his quarterbacks “have been great.” But it’s Underwood who will claim the top job.
When Underwood faces New Mexico on Aug. 30 in Michigan’s season opener, he’ll be just weeks removed from his 18th birthday.
The NIL factor
With Underwood being the top recruit in the 2025 class, NIL played a significant part in his college journey. He was initially committed to LSU but flipped to Michigan after reportedly receiving a massive NIL package.
According to Front Office Sports, Underwood’s NIL deal at Michigan is believed to be between $10.5 to $12 million over four years.
He was tracking to become LSU’s highest-paid player, but Underwood took his talents to the Wolverines for a hefty pay increase.
As of August 2025, On3 estimates Underwood to be the 11th-most valuable college athlete in terms of NIL, with a valuation of $3 million.
Underwood has been working with various companies for NIL deals, including Barstool Sports and Hollister, per On3.
As recently as Aug. 19, Underwood began a partnership with Beats by Dre. The deal will involve him being featured in “national marketing campaigns,” per 247Sports.
On and off the field, @BryceUnderwoo16 is locked in.
+ @beatsbydre#GoBlue | #BeatsPartner | #BeatsElite pic.twitter.com/17A6gvTueK
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 19, 2025
High school background
Underwood was the consensus top prospect in the 2025 class. At 6-4 and around 230 pounds, he had the physical tools to become a star quarterback.
He “has continued to improve as a passer and has gotten much more in tune with his mechanics,” as 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins evaluated.
In high school, Underwood threw for 11,488 yards and 152 touchdowns. He led his Belleville squad to a 50-4 record and two Michigan state championships.
In January 2024, Underwood committed to LSU. But in November 2024, he flipped his commitment to Michigan before signing in December.
