Most seem to expect that former No. 1 overall recruit and true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is going to be the starter for the Michigan Wolverines in 2025, but head coach Sherrone Moore is still not ready to make that decision.
In fact, at Big Ten Media Days, Moore was clear that a starting quarterback has not yet been named for the Wolverines.
“Before anyone asks, it’s an open competition,” Moore told the media.
Underwood has superstar potential, but, as mentioned, is a true freshman. Yes, he was a star at the high school level, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that will all translate once the hits are for real at the college level, especially in the stacked Big Ten.
That’s why Michigan went out and brought in two transfer quarterbacks this offseason in former East Carolina quarterback Jake Garcia and former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene.
They, as well, have never played Big Ten football and they’ll never be confused for superstars in Ann Arbor, but they’ve at least thrown a touchdown at the college level.
Ultimately, talent is not going to be the final determining factor for Moore — at least here in fall camp.
It comes down to leadership for him.
“There is no starter. When they ‘have the team’ we’ll know we have our starter,” Moore said.
If it comes down to pure talent alone, Underwood will likely be under center when the Wolverines open the season against New Mexico on Aug. 30.
It is tough for a freshman quarterback to lead a football team, though, so it will be interesting to see which way Moore and his staff decide to go.
