Michigan football fans have plenty to look forward to with the arrival of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, who flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. The talented recruit is being compared to past Wolverines QB partnerships like JJ McCarthy and Jim Harbaugh, with the hope that Underwood could form a similar dynamic with head coach Sherrone Moore. Underwood’s commitment is a huge boost to Michigan, whose quarterback situation has been tumultuous throughout the season.
This year, Michigan rotated through three quarterbacks before finally settling on former walk-on Davis Warren as the starter. The addition of Underwood to a roster that already includes Jayden Davis raises the stakes for Michigan’s quarterback room. And as if that weren’t enough, the Wolverines recently added former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, a move that has sparked even more excitement. Keene announced his transfer with a message on social media, saying, “Excited to get to work! Go Blue 〽️.”
Keene brings significant experience, having thrown for over 8,000 yards and 65 touchdowns during his college career. Over 39 games, he has completed 68% of his passes and proved his mettle under pressure. During his time at Fresno State, Keene threw for 5,868 yards and 42 touchdowns, with nearly 3,000 passing yards in each of the last two seasons. His decision-making ability and established relationship with Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, make him a reliable option for the Wolverines.
Interestingly, Keene has already faced Michigan once this season while playing for Fresno State, where he threw for 235 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. This familiarity with Big Ten competition could serve him well as he joins the Wolverines.
Excited to get to work! Go Blue 〽️ https://t.co/0bB4ClegaH
— Mikey Keene (@Mikey_Keene) December 29, 2024
On the other hand, Bryce Underwood arrives with immense hype and an impressive track record. In the 2024 season, he threw for 2,095 yards and 29 touchdowns, building on an even more outstanding 2023 campaign with 3,165 yards and 40 touchdowns. His signing is a major victory for Michigan’s recruiting efforts, elevating the program’s 2025 class to 13th nationally.
The question now is how Michigan will manage its quarterback room with two high-profile players vying for time. While Underwood’s potential is undeniable, Keene’s experience makes him a strong contender for significant playing time. Moore could adopt a strategy similar to how JJ McCarthy was gradually eased into the starting role, giving Underwood opportunities while leaning on Keene’s reliability.
Fans are divided on what this means for Michigan’s future. Some see the competition as a chance to elevate the program, while others worry about potential tension in the QB room. Regardless, the additions of Underwood and Keene signal Michigan’s intent to dominate both on the field and in recruiting.
As the Wolverines aim to overcome their quarterback instability from last season, all eyes will be on how Moore handles this dynamic duo. Can Underwood and Keene coexist, or will their rivalry create friction? The 2025 season promises to be an exciting chapter in Michigan football.