Bryce Underwood names Michigan starting quarterback

Bryce Underwood will be starting under center for Michigan this season. 

Head coach Sherrone Moore made the announcement on Monday that the true freshman would be the Wolverines’ starting quarterback when the season opens on Saturday against New Mexico, saying that Underwood had “earned the opportunity” and that “it was not given to him.” 

Underwood was the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025 and he made the decision to flip his commitment from LSU to Michigan last November after a full-court press to persuade him to come to Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Underwood is from Belleville, Michigan, only a short distance away from the Wolvorines’ campus, and the football program received help from Tom Brady and the wife of billionaire Larry Ellison to convince the quarterback to make the switch, according to The Athletic.

Sophomore Jayden Davis will serve as the Wolverines’ backup quarterback after he appeared in one game during the 2024 season and had a notable camp as well this year. 

The Big Ten Network had reported that Underwood had been taking a majority of first-team reps in practice during the month of August. 

Moore told reporters that he informed everyone on Sunday about the quarterback decision. 

“Just did the things the right way and used his skill and never tried to do too much,” Moore explained about Underwood. “For a young guy, he was very mature beyond his years, and he’s only 18 years old. He’s going to make mistakes, but that’s what we’re here for, coaches and players. We’re all going to support him.”  

Underwood recently turned 18 and will be the first freshman to start at QB for Michigan since 2009 when Tate Forcier did so. 

“The starting quarterback is not only the guy that’s making the throws and touching the football first, but he’s the guy they’re all looking to when adversity strikes,” Moore said. “He’s got to do a really good job in those moments.”