Ever seen a freshman QB so good, coaches can’t remember anyone like him? That’s Bryce Underwood for the Michigan Wolverines! Coach Sherrone Moore is putting his full trust in this young phenom. What makes this 18-year-old so special, and how will he lead Michigan this season?
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore has made a definitive statement, naming true freshman Bryce Underwood as the team’s starting quarterback, a decision he described as unprecedented given the young player’s exceptional skill set.
The Wolverines entered Fall Camp amidst a competitive quarterback battle, aiming to significantly improve from the previous season’s struggles at the position. From a pool of talented contenders, Underwood rapidly distinguished himself, demonstrating a level of poise and ability rarely seen in a player of his age.
Coach Moore recounted the pivotal moment during camp when Underwood’s undeniable talent became clear. During a stadium scrimmage, a series of impressive throws solidified Moore’s conviction, prompting a knowing nod from offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and a silent agreement with Coach Campbell that Underwood was indeed “the guy.”
Underwood, a five-star recruit from Belleville High School in Michigan, was the top-ranked prospect overall and the premier quarterback in his recruiting class. His highly anticipated commitment to Michigan involved a substantial NIL package, reportedly between $10 and $12 million over four years, successfully flipping him from LSU.
This meteoric rise means Bryce Underwood becomes only the fourth Michigan quarterback in history to start as a freshman, joining an exclusive list that includes Rick Leach, Chad Henne, and Tate Forcier, who last achieved this feat in 2009. Moore’s profound statement, “Have I seen a freshman like him [at] quarterback? Not that I could imagine,” underscores the rarity of Underwood’s talent.
The Michigan Wolverines completely restructured their quarterback room for the current season, with Underwood competing alongside other promising talents like Jack Tuttle, Alex Orji, and Jadyn Davis for the starting role. Despite the strong competition, it was the star freshman, Bryce Underwood, who ultimately earned the coveted position.
Sherrone Moore emphatically confirmed Underwood’s appointment, stressing that the job was “not given to him” but “earned.” He praised the development of other quarterbacks, particularly Jadyn Davis, who is slated as the second-string, acknowledging their strong camp performances.
Moore highlighted Underwood’s maturity “beyond his years” and his natural leadership qualities. The young signal-caller “took ownership of his abilities and took ownership of the team,” consistently making the right plays without overextending himself. The coaching staff and players are committed to supporting him through the inevitable challenges of a long season, recognizing that the 18-year-old will make mistakes as he embarks on this journey.
The Michigan Wolverines are set to kick off their season at home against the Fresno State Bulldogs on August 30th. Following the opener, the schedule intensifies dramatically, featuring a significant road test against the Texas Longhorns, presenting an early and substantial challenge for their new freshman starter.
