The buzz around Bryce Underwood has been electric in Ann Arbor, and it’s only getting louder with Michigan’s spring game set for April 19. However, the freshman phenom isn’t just making noise—he’s making a statement. On top of that, he’s got competition, with Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene in the mix for the starting job. But early signs from spring ball suggest Underwood is turning heads and gaining ground fast. Here, coaches praising him is one thing, but teammates on offense backing him up? That’s big. However, when defensive players start raving about him too? That’s when you know he’s special.
Well, Derrick Moore, senior edge rusher, has seen plenty of QBs, but Bryce Underwood already stands out. Yes, according to Moore, Underwood’s ball placement is “crazy,” and he’s been “throwing dots” all over practice. You can say, the freshman hasn’t even taken a college snap, but he’s playing like a seasoned vet. Following that Moore said, “He looks like he’s been here, like he’s been in college really.” Even ON3’s Pete Nakos is buying the hype. “Underwood has looked the part,” said Nakos, with sources raving about his athleticism and arm strength. So, right now, the freshman is trending to start Week 1, per On3.
Now, a top CFB analyst has just weighed in on Bryce Underwood’s future. Well, on the March 30th episode of The Ruffino & Joe Show, Joe DeLeone and Blake Ruffino broke it all down. Moreover, during the discussion, Ruffino didn’t hold back. Referring to Underwood, he asked DeLeone bluntly, “All right, yeah, I asked you just a humbling question. When you paid a kid a four-year, $12 million deal, did you think he wasn’t going to start?” So, with that kind of investment, the answer seems pretty clear. And just like that, Joe agreed and simply said, “Exactly.”
Then Ruffino doubled down on his take, making his stance crystal clear. But Ruffino didn’t just double down—he went all in, stating, “With a $2.5 million base? Did you? Did you really expect for him not to come in here and start?” So, think about it—$12 million for one kid. Honestly, the message is clear: Underwood isn’t just another recruit—he’s him!
And why not? Underwood dominated at Belleville High, rewriting Michigan’s record books with 11,488 passing yards and 152 TDs. He was named Michigan’s Mr. Football in 2024 and won the Gatorade Player of the Year award twice. On top of that, he even showcased his elite talent in the Under Armour All-America Game, proving he belongs among the best. It’s hard to believe Underwood is just 17! At 6’4” and 228 pounds, he looks more like a seasoned veteran than a high school kid. And Ruffino put it best, saying, “Now, I told you when the kid was committed to LSU, and I will tell you now, from a high school recruiting standpoint, there is no one that I’ve seen with my eyeballs at that year of age that is a better throw than I’ve ever seen.”
While Underwood battles Keene, rising sophomore Jadyn Davis, and a new signee for the QB1 spot, seems to be pulling ahead. But just as Michigan’s future looks bright, their head coach gets hit with shocking CFP news.
Will Bryce Underwood fulfill Sherrone Moore’s CFP dream?
Last year, Sherrone Moore played musical chairs at QB, rotating between Davis Warren, Alex Orji, Jack Tuttle, and back to Warren. But heading into 2025, he was determined to turn Michigan’s biggest question mark into a strength. And by the looks of it, he just might have done it by landing Bryce Underwood.
But here’s the million-dollar question—can Sherrone Moore’s CFP dream become reality with Bryce Underwood? CFB analyst Blake Ruffino isn’t so sure, he questioned, “Am I expecting them to go to the playoffs?” He then doubled down to Joe, stating, “I’m not. I’m just not expecting that from them. I’ve seen plenty of freshmen and rookie quarterbacks struggle. It’s going to happen.” So, Moore might believe in Underwood, but not everyone is sold just yet.
However, Sherrone Moore’s CFP fate isn’t just tied to Michigan’s success—it’s caught in the chaos of Playoff expansion talks. Beyond 2025, the future remains uncertain as the Big 10 and SEC push for a proposal, locking in 4 automatic bids each. Meanwhile, the ACC and Big 12 would get two, leaving the rest up for grabs between Notre Dame and the top-ranked 5 teams. So, whether the CFP expands to 14 or 16 teams, Moore’s path to the big stage might get tougher—or clearer.
Now, with upsetting CFP news, let’s see how the head coach makes the tough decision for QB1.
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