Bryce Underwood, a highly touted prospect, has been appointed as the starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines ahead of their season opener on August 30 against New Mexico, as announced by coach Sherrone Moore.

“He earned the opportunity, it wasn’t handed to him,” Moore commented. ‘All other quarterbacks had a strong camp as well … Jadyn Davis has progressed significantly and will be the No. 2 … Bryce has assumed ownership of his capabilities and has taken charge of the team, establishing himself as a leader.’

Moore remarked on Underwood’s maturity: “For someone so young, he’s quite advanced. Although he’ll make errors, we, as coaches and players, are here to support him.”

When Michigan secured Underwood, who flipped from LSU in November, it was a mere question of when he would get significant playing time, and that time is now.

Underwood will be the fourth true freshman quarterback to initiate a Michigan season opener, the first since Tate Forcier in 2009. The Belleville, Michigan, native outperformed Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene and last season’s passing leader, Davis Warren, for the starting role.

Underwood has the potential to revive the Wolverines’ passing game, which previously ranked last among FBS teams in passing offense last season. The Wolverines introduced new offensive skill position transfers, anticipating an elite defensive lineup in 2025. With a manageable schedule, Underwood could have a promising debut as Michigan’s stands prepared to face the New Mexico team that was projected to finish near the bottom of the Mountain West.