The Michigan Wolverines have officially chosen their opening-week starter. As expected, coach Sherrone Moore has gone with five-star, No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood.
Moore made the announcement Monday afternoon.
“He’s earned the opportunity, and it was not given to him,” Moore said. “Bryce took the necessary steps and really took ownership of the position and the team. He became a leader that guys look to. He just does things the right way, uses his skill, and never tries to do too much.”
Moore also praised Underwood’s work ethic and leadership, noting how quickly the freshman has adapted to the demands of college football.
“For a young guy who’s just 18 and mature beyond his years, he’s going to make mistakes. But that’s what we’re here for as coaches and players,” Moore said. “We’re all going to support him on this journey together. But he’s earned that job.”
All offseason, it looked like Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene were competing for the starting job. That doesn’t appear to be the case now, as Moore named sophomore Jadyn Davis as Underwood’s backup. It’s still unclear what the plan is for Keene.
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Underwood will be the fourth true freshman to start a Michigan season opener and the first since Tate Forcier in 2009.
The excitement surrounding him is palpable — Michigan fans haven’t felt this level of anticipation since JJ McCarthy, the quarterback who helped the Wolverines win their first national championship in nearly three decades.
Now that the decision is official, all eyes turn to Underwood as he takes charge of a talented Michigan offense this fall. Fans are excited to see if the five-star recruit can meet the high expectations.
The program is counting on Underwood to carry on Michigan’s history of quarterbacks making an immediate impact.