Michigan football is but a week away from beginning spring ball and all eyes will be on Ann Arbor to see just how the Wolverines follow up a disappointing season overall, but one that had an exemplary finish.
Though not everything is buttoned up, the defense has a ton of promise — though it appears as if safety Rod Moore won’t likely participate in spring ball, according to comments made by defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Thus, most of the intrigue comes on the defensive side of the ball due to one name: Bryce Underwood.
The former five-star quarterback and No. 1 overall player in the country in the 2025 recruiting class has been on campus since December and participated in bowl prep for the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama. But Michigan brought in former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene — who the maize and blue played against in Week 1 last season — to compete for the starting job, as he brings experience and expertise that Underwood may not have just yet.
Regardless, when it comes to asking what Michigan’s biggest question this spring might be, ESPN’s answer revolves around the quarterback. (subscription required)
Will Bryce Underwood be ready to start right away?
Underwood is the most hyped incoming freshman in the country following his high-profile (and high-dollar) commitment flip from LSU to Michigan. The No. 1 overall recruit of the 2024 class, Underwood gives the Wolverines a tantalizing talent at quarterback a year after Michigan cycled through three quarterbacks (Davis Warren, Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle), who posted a combined QBR (48.5) that ranked 15th in the Big Ten. Underwood will have every opportunity to win the starting job. But the Wolverines also added Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who has thrown for 8,245 yards and 65 touchdowns in his career, to bridge the gap if Underwood isn’t ready yet.
Underwood has the tools available to be an instant impact player. At 6-foot-4, he already looks the part of a starting quarterback anywhere in the country. He also has the arm strength and accuracy to make any throw on the field. His challenge will come with protections and reading defenses.
Keene isn’t as talented as Underwood, but he has thrown for a lot of yards and can make reads, protections, and throws.
Either way, the maize and blue have a lot of promise compared to last year offensively. However, the quarterback success will also be due to the offensive line and wide receiver positions — both of which are currently in flux entering spring ball.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: ESPN says Michigan football biggest spring question is Bryce Underwood
