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Sherrone Moore Breaks Silence After Big Bryce Underwood Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Weber | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 12:13 PM ET

The No. 1 player from the 2025 high school football recruiting class, quarterback Bryce Underwood, is also No. 1 on the Michigan Wolverines depth chart.

Matt Zenitz of CBS reported Sunday evening that Underwood, a true freshman, won the quarterback job at Michigan and will start for the team's season opener against the New Mexico Lobos, which kicks off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Big House.

A true freshman starter is rare at such a high level in college football, but given Bryce Underwood's status as the top recruit and the price tag likely required to lure him to Ann Arbor, it's not totally shocking that he's taking over the reins from the jump.

However, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore wants to make it clear that Underwood's QB1 role was totally earned, not merely handed to him based on name, image and likeness (NIL) deals or high school pedigree. He said Monday morning, according to On3's Pete Nakos:

“He’s earned the opportunity. It was not given to him.”

Underwood did face competition in the QB1 battle. Fresno State Bulldogs import Mikey Keene was thought to be the stiffest threat, but he suffered an upper-body injury during the spring, and that limited him this offseason. Jake Garcia is another veteran option who made stops with the Miami Hurricanes, Missouri Tigers and East Carolina Pirates before landing at Michigan. There's also Jadyn Davis, a rising sophomore and four-star 2024 recruit in the room.

Alas, Underwood beat out that grouping and will be the starter for Week 1. Behind him, Wolverine fans might want to keep an eye on Keene's recovery, as he projects as a reliable backup option after throwing for just under 3,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

Bryce Underwood is Mature Beyond His Years, Per Moore

Expectations ought to be managed for such a young quarterback, but Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized at Big Ten Media Days that Underwood acts with impressive maturity for a first-year player.

“He’s been with us since December, continues to do everything he can to be one, the best teammate he could be. Two, to be the best student he could be. And then, three, to be the best football player and quarterback that he could be for our football team," explained Moore.

"He does everything the right way," the Michigan coach added. "He makes sure that he attacks everything the best way."

Underwood surely has plenty of growth in front of him, but the rookie sensation will get his shot right away at Michigan after handling himself well since arriving on campus.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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