Michigan fans, buckle up! The Wolverines’ quarterback room is heating up like a summer BBQ, and the aroma is irresistible. Picture this: a five-star prodigy, a seasoned gunslinger, and a former QB1 are all fighting for that top spot. And if you think this showdown doesn’t come with drama, well, let me tell you—you’re dead wrong. Because when you put $12 million on the table for Bryce Underwood, expectations aren’t just high. They’re sky-high. And the pressure? Oh, it’s turning coal into diamonds.
National analyst J.D. PicKell from On3 wasn’t about to sugarcoat things when he spoke up on March 11th. The way he sees it, Bryce Underwood is already making noise. “Bryce Underwood, he’s that—that guy. Notice—notice what we said there. He’s that guy. Not ‘oh, he’s going to start.’ Not ‘oh, he’s a good quarterback.’ he’s—dog—Bryce Underwood, he’s—he’s that guy,” PicKell spilled. And when a guy with the clout of PicKell says you’re “that guy,” it’s not just hype. It’s a straight-up warning shot to the rest of the Big Ten.
Here’s the scoop: Michigan bagged Bryce Underwood from LSU with a jaw-dropping $12 million NIL deal. But they didn’t stop there. They went and signed Mikey Keene from Fresno State, an 8,000-yard passer who’s got experience dripping off him. The plan was simple—ease Underwood in under Keene’s guidance and let the kid breathe before throwing him to the wolves. But now? Underwood’s out here throwing missiles and making reads like he’s been doing this college thing for years.
Credits: Twitter
“Whenever you have a premier quarterback come over from the high school ranks and early enroll, it’s pretty understandable if it takes a second to get the speed of the game,” PicKell said. Underwood is already playing at a high level during spring practice; that’s a huge deal. Normally, high school quarterbacks—even elite ones—need time to adjust to the speed, complexity, and physicality of college football. Defenses move faster, windows close quicker, and pass rushers apply pressure much faster than in high school. But if Underwood is already looking like the starter, it means he’s ahead of the curve, and Michigan (or wherever he plays) can trust him to handle more responsibilities in the offense right away.
J.D. PicKell doubled down. “But if he’s that guy out of spring practice, that means you can add to this offense. That means you can put more on his plate.” Translation? Underwood isn’t just keeping up—he’s setting the pace.
Sherrone Moore could lose his former 5-star QB1 in the spring portal
So, here’s where things get spicy. While Underwood’s stealing headlines, there’s another former golden boy at Michigan who’s probably feeling the heat. Davis Warren, a former 5-star QB, was once seen as Michigan’s future. But now? He’s looking more like yesterday’s news. Davis Warren threw for just 1,199 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine picks. No wonder why he’s planning to leave Ann Arbor.
Antonio Morales from The Athletic kept it real: “The thought was it was best for Davis’ development to avoid throwing him into the fire prematurely. That’s fine, but what’s the realistic long-term outlook for Davis when Michigan’s quarterback group includes an incoming freshman who received a massive NIL deal, an experienced and productive transfer, and a veteran who started nine times last season?” It’s a cruel reality but a fair one.
And the truth is, Davis Warren has every reason to consider dipping out through the spring transfer portal. The moment it becomes clear that Bryce Underwood or Mikey Keene has the keys to the kingdom, what’s left for them? Clipboard duty? No, these QBs came to play, not just watch from the sidelines. Now, Sherrone Moore’s got a tricky hand to play. He pulled off a masterclass move, landing Underwood, but keeping everyone happy? That isn’t possible in college ball. Davis Warren isn’t just going to roll over and accept second place. And the spring portal waits for nobody.
Spring football is about to tell us everything we need to know. And if Bryce Underwood keeps making everyone’s jaw drop? We might just see a Michigan QB before the summer sun even hits.
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