Well, Bryce Underwood’s $10 million Michigan deal didn’t just break the bank — it sent shockwaves through college football. As the golden goose of recruiting, with paychecks arriving before everyone wants to see you start and make a difference right away. And the Wolverines? They didn’t just roll out the red carpet — they handed him the throne, with a QB1 job and no competition in sight. So, Sherrone Moore and Michigan bet the farm on him starting immediately. But now? That’s not the case, as the QB1 room might see another starter competition or a major blow to one player’s dreams.
Now, shedding some light on it, CBS Sports’ Josh Pate gives out his opinion on whether Bryce Underwood should start as a true freshman or not, saying, “He doesn’t have to. Mikey Keene is on the roster; he has started many, many games; he played at UCF. He’s played at Fresno. So it’s a good situation. You’ve got an experienced guy, sort of a veteran guy, and that makes your floor not so low, but the ceiling is, of course, with Bryce Underwood; he looked different to me than any player that’s come out of high school the last few cycles.” Looks like Pate is not wrong when he says Mikey Keene is a better option because experience matters the most, right?
If we talk about Mikey Keene’s gameplay over the years, this guy has thrown nearly 3000 yards in each of the last two seasons. And has played with teams like UCF Knights and Fresco State, which automatically makes him a better option. Now, it doesn’t mean that Bryce Underwood is any less of a player, even though this dude has led Belleville to a 10-2 record in state regional semifinals as a senior. But the bottom line is there’s a huge difference. Remember, despite having a decent freshman season last year, Dylan Raiola’s inconsistencies were more apparent.
See, Michigan got Mikey Kenne to serve as a bridge quarterback, but ultimately, the pressure will fall on Bryce Underwood’s shoulders to prove his worth. As he is the highest-ranked recruit to enter Michigan in five years, let’s not forget the money factor. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have time. Even Josh Pate makes a firm stance over it, saying, “We’re not paying you to sit on the bench and develop. You could pay the guy $5 million; you could pay him $5 billion. His evolution as a player is going to be what it’s going to be. You don’t get to toss him in the microwave just because you paid a lot of money for him.” Translation? Underwood will improve steadily. The pressure will turn the rock into a diamond. Patience is the key.
However, there’s a high chance that Bryce Underwood might not take the first snap. But make no mistake — he’s going to see the field. Michigan might use two quarterbacks, similar to how they used Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy back in the day, easing Underwood in until he’s ready to take over. If he masters dissecting defenses, commanding the playbook, and running the offense independently, he’ll be impossible to keep on the bench.
And Sherrone Moore is all in on that, though, as he says, “Everybody is going to get an even amount of snaps. And then we’ll make a decision, whether it goes in the spring or after spring. But we’re not going to try to rush into it. We’ll figure out whoever that person needs to be.” But that will only be possible if Bryce Underwood stays with Michigan, right? But Moore’s recent move might cost him one of his elite players.
Sherrone Moore’s risky move might cost him Bryce Underwood
Letting your star quarterback shine in a spring game while vultures circle? That’s a risk Sherrone Moore appears willing to take with Bryce Underwood. Spring games used to focus on building hype and tradition, but now they’ve become a prime target for poachers. With the transfer portal and NIL money creating a free-for-all atmosphere, most coaches opt to keep their top players closely guarded. But if you are already in trouble giving him the QB1 position, showcasing him in the spring game may not be a wise decision.
This issue traces back to when Matt Rhule accused tampering as the reason why Nebraska lost key players to undisclosed agreements. Dante Dowdell’s departure highlighted the extent of this problem. Teams such as Texas, USC, Ohio State, and Clemson are no longer just recruiting high school athletes; they are also eyeing college rosters for their next potential targets for financial gain.
But Moore? He isn’t sweating it. When asked about the risk, he told On3, “I want to keep our spring game, and it’s just going to depend on circumstances how we can get it done. It’s an opportunity for our players, especially the guys that don’t get to play on those Saturdays, to be in front of a crowd and be in front of people.” That’s a valid point; spring games aid in player development. Yet, this also presents an opportunity for rivals to steal your players in this fiercely competitive game.
Look, the old college football scene has evolved significantly. Players now have the transfer portal as a quick way out, NIL has transformed loyalty into a competition for bids, and schools are continuously persuading their current players to stay. Underwood’s $10 million cost might deter many programs for now, but ultimately, money has the final say. Michigan should ensure they are on the right side of the conversation when the opportunity arises.
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