Michigan Wolverines HC Sherrone Moore has chosen the starting quarterback for the Wolverines ahead of their Week 1 opener against the New Mexico Lobos. Moore is set to officially announce the starting QB during his media availability on Monday.
Sherrone Moore Names Wolverines Starting QB
Bryce Underwood, a true freshman and former five-star prospect, has won the Wolverines’ starting QB job. The Belleville, Michigan native, who was ranked the No. 1 player in his class by Rivals.com, flipped his commitment from Louisiana State to Michigan last November.
Underwood swiftly emerged as the frontrunner during spring practices, especially with Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene sidelined due to injury. He and sophomore Jadyn Davis took the bulk of the spring reps, and Underwood continued to impress throughout fall camp while Keene worked his way back.
Michigan is set to name five-star freshman Bryce Underwood as its starting quarterback with an official announcement set for tomorrow, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 25, 2025
Had been the clear favorite to win the job throughout the offseason. Now set to officially be named the starter. pic.twitter.com/po499taDF4
At Big Ten Media Days in late July, head coach Moore described the leadership traits he wanted in his starting quarterback—signaling what Underwood eventually demonstrated during camp.
“They’re going to make throws, they’re going to make plays. But when they’ve got the team—we knew it with J.J. when he had the team,” Moore said. “When we’ve got that person there at the front, then we’ll know we have our starting quarterback that will help us. The starting quarterback is not only the guy that’s making the throws and touching the football first, but he’s the guy that they’re all looking to when adversity strikes. So, he’s (Underwood) got to do a really good job in those moments. So, whether it’s Bryce, whether it’s Jadyn, whether it’s Mikey—whoever it is, they have to do a really good job in those moments in camp when we provide them a little chaos to be great.”
Underwood beat out Davis, Warren, and Keene for the job. Keene, who began his career at UCF before transferring to Fresno State, threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Warren saw time at quarterback last year for Michigan during a season where the Wolverines rotated between him, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle.
Underwood becomes just the fourth true freshman in Michigan history to start a season opener, joining Tate Forcier (2009), Chad Henne (2004), and Rick Leach (1975). Each of those quarterbacks led Michigan to victory in their debut. Underwood brings a winning pedigree of his own—he started as a freshman in high school and led Belleville to back-to-back state titles and a 38-game winning streak, including the school’s first-ever undefeated season in 2022.
Michigan opens the season at home against New Mexico on Aug. 30, then travels to face No. 18 Oklahoma on Sept. 6. The Wolverines are looking to bounce back after an 8–5 finish last season, Moore’s first at the helm, which included a 5–4 record in Big Ten play despite starting the year ranked inside the top 10.
