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The Michigan Wolverines held their annual spring game on April 19, 2025 with former five-star prospects Bryce Underwood and Jadyn Davis battling it out on the Blue and Maize teams.
Underwood's Blue team won the game by a score of 17-0, giving Wolverines fans plenty of preliminary game tape on his strengths and weaknesses as a freshman signal caller.
While the game was an exhibition and there is still plenty of time to prepare for the 2025-2026 season, Underwood showed a ton of promise as a runner and a passer in leading his team to victory.
He also exhibited concerning moments and traits, especially as a passer, that has fans debating whether or not he will get the starting nod in Week 1 against the New Mexico Lobos at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Bryce Underwood surveys the field during Michigan's 2025 Spring Game in the first half of play. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Here are five reasons why Underwood might not start in Week 1 despite his immense talents.
1. Youth-
Youth can be a strength but it can also be a weakness, particularly at such an experience driven position like quarterback.
Underwood is fresh out of high school. Going from high school defenses to college defenses is always an adjustment.
2. History-
Michigan's current quarterback situation reminds many fans of the 2020-2021 season, when incumbent starter Cade McNamara played most of the season over five-star freshman JJ McCarthy.
McNamara's steady hand led the Wolverines to the first of three straight Big Ten championships.
McCarthy later showed his talents and became the starter, forcing McNamara to leave for Iowa.
Michigan may turn to veteran transfer Mikey Keene instead of Underwood to start the season, allowing Underwood to watch from the sidelines and play when fully ready.
3. Ball Protection-
Underwood is a tall, smart and well built passer with the skills to protect the ball.
During the Spring Game, he lofted multiple passes up for grabs that may have been interceptions in regular season game action.
Underwood must learn to place the ball where only he or his receiver can get it on long bombs or he could give the ball away against better competition this fall.
4. Keene's Talent-
The Wolverines were impressed by Keene's talent during a 30-10 Wolverines win over Keene's former team Fresno State last season at the Big House.
Keene was overmatched, lacking weapons against a healthy Michigan secondary that included star cornerback Will Johnson at the time.
If Keene can mesh with Michigan's talented wide receivers and elevate them from talented players with potential to strong contributors, he could start the season behind center.
5. The Great Unknown-
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has played it safe throughout his tenure at Michigan.
Underwood represents the great unknown and the great hope for Michigan football as it seeks a return to the glory days under former coach Jim Harbaugh.
Playing Keene seems like the safe option right now, especially with a road trip to Oklahoma on the docket for Week 2.
The prediction here is that Keene will start the New Mexico game and Michigan will sub Underwood in when he's fully ready.
Expect Underwood to play the bulk of the minutes and become the starter at some point this season, rotating in with Keene as the Wolverines find their rhythm and rely on the defense and running game, giving the passing game time to take shape.
Continue reading...
Underwood's Blue team won the game by a score of 17-0, giving Wolverines fans plenty of preliminary game tape on his strengths and weaknesses as a freshman signal caller.
While the game was an exhibition and there is still plenty of time to prepare for the 2025-2026 season, Underwood showed a ton of promise as a runner and a passer in leading his team to victory.
He also exhibited concerning moments and traits, especially as a passer, that has fans debating whether or not he will get the starting nod in Week 1 against the New Mexico Lobos at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
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Bryce Underwood surveys the field during Michigan's 2025 Spring Game in the first half of play. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Here are five reasons why Underwood might not start in Week 1 despite his immense talents.
1. Youth-
Youth can be a strength but it can also be a weakness, particularly at such an experience driven position like quarterback.
Underwood is fresh out of high school. Going from high school defenses to college defenses is always an adjustment.
2. History-
Michigan's current quarterback situation reminds many fans of the 2020-2021 season, when incumbent starter Cade McNamara played most of the season over five-star freshman JJ McCarthy.
McNamara's steady hand led the Wolverines to the first of three straight Big Ten championships.
McCarthy later showed his talents and became the starter, forcing McNamara to leave for Iowa.
Michigan may turn to veteran transfer Mikey Keene instead of Underwood to start the season, allowing Underwood to watch from the sidelines and play when fully ready.
3. Ball Protection-
Underwood is a tall, smart and well built passer with the skills to protect the ball.
During the Spring Game, he lofted multiple passes up for grabs that may have been interceptions in regular season game action.
Underwood must learn to place the ball where only he or his receiver can get it on long bombs or he could give the ball away against better competition this fall.
4. Keene's Talent-
The Wolverines were impressed by Keene's talent during a 30-10 Wolverines win over Keene's former team Fresno State last season at the Big House.
Keene was overmatched, lacking weapons against a healthy Michigan secondary that included star cornerback Will Johnson at the time.
If Keene can mesh with Michigan's talented wide receivers and elevate them from talented players with potential to strong contributors, he could start the season behind center.
5. The Great Unknown-
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has played it safe throughout his tenure at Michigan.
Underwood represents the great unknown and the great hope for Michigan football as it seeks a return to the glory days under former coach Jim Harbaugh.
Playing Keene seems like the safe option right now, especially with a road trip to Oklahoma on the docket for Week 2.
The prediction here is that Keene will start the New Mexico game and Michigan will sub Underwood in when he's fully ready.
Expect Underwood to play the bulk of the minutes and become the starter at some point this season, rotating in with Keene as the Wolverines find their rhythm and rely on the defense and running game, giving the passing game time to take shape.
Continue reading...
