ESPN already wondered aloud about whether or not new Michigan football quarterback Bryce Underwood could win the starting job in year one, and CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli has similar thoughts.
The Wolverines are retooling the offense, not just at quarterback, but also with a new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, who is expected to improve the passing attack after a moribund season on that front in 2024. While Fornelli asks a similar question to ESPN, he’s not quite as sold that Underwood will get the nod, though he is sure of one thing: he’s definitely the future of the program, whether it begins this year or down the road.
Is the future now with Bryce Underwood? There’s no question that the 2024 season, even with a win over Ohio State, was not an overly successful one for the Wolverines. They followed up a national title with an 8-5 mark. There’s a lot of optimism heading into Sherrone Moore’s second season, and Bryce Underwood is a big reason why, but will the freshman phenom win the starting job?
Michigan brought in veteran transfer Mikey Keene from Fresno State. It’s unclear whether Keene is seen as a solid backup plan or if he’s a bridge to an Underwood future. Perhaps even Michigan isn’t sure what the plan is, and this spring will be the start of making a decision.
Based on some comments from Sherrone Moore as well as Lindsey, it’s unlikely that Michigan comes anywhere close to making a decision at quarterback during spring ball. But, it will at least be a good opportunity for the maize and blue to get Underwood that many more practices and more experience before the Aug. 30 season opener against New Mexico.
Spring ball is set to begin next week with the spring game coming on April 19.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Could Bryce Underwood win Michigan football QB job in spring ball?
