Bryce Underwood 'Earned the Opportunity' to Be Michigan's QB1, Sherrone Moore Says

For the first time since 2009, Michigan will have a freshman starting quarterback for a season opener after Bryce Underwood was officially handed the reins for Saturday's game against New Mexico.

Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore told reporters on Monday that Underwood proved he was deserving of the quarterback role throughout the summer as the team prepared for the 2025 season.

"Bryce Underwood will be our starting quarterback, I'll confirm that. He's earned the opportunity. It was not given to him," Moore said.

Underwood, the No. 1 overall player in the 2024 class in 247Sports' composite, beat out a talented group of players in the quarterback competition, including Michigan's 2024 leading passer Davis Warren and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Moore said Monday that sophomore quarterback Jadyn Davis will be the primary backup behind Underwood, and he praised the true freshman for seizing the opportunity to earn the starting role.

"Bryce took the necessary steps and really took the position," Moore said. "Took ownership of his abilities and took ownership of the team and became a leader on the team and a guy that guys look to. Just did things the right way, used his skill and never tried to do too much. For a young guy, very mature beyond his years, and he's still only 18 years old."

Moore made it clear that Michigan will remain patient with Underwood's development, as he's sure to experience the growing pains that would come to any freshman.

"He's gonna make mistakes, but that's what we're here for," Moore said. "Coaches and players, we're all gonna support him as he goes on this journey and we go on this journey together. But he's earned that job."