Though it looks like true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is set to start for Michigan football in 2025, it’s not exactly clear. And that’s because the Wolverines brought in former Fresno State signal caller Mikey Keene to compete with him. And Keene, who very well could have started at the outset of the season, was injured all spring, giving Underwood the keys to the Cadillac for all 15 practices.
Thus, as CBS Sports works to determine who the best backup quarterbacks in the country are, it finds itself at something of a crossroads.
Michigan football did make the list, but CBS Sports’ Will Backus was ambivalent, listing both Underwood and Keene as one of the potential best QBs in the country, given that we don’t know who will actually be starting at the outset of the season.
It’s more a question of when, and not if, Underwood will emerge as Michigan’s starter. He’s simply too talented to keep in the pen for long. Keene might at least get a chance to secure his spot through the first few games, though. Regardless of who goes out there first, Michigan is in a great spot with its second option.
Underwood was the top prospect in the class of 2025. He’s got a college-ready frame, a live arm and the talent to elevate a stagnant Wolverines offense. Keene, meanwhile, brings 34 games of starting experience from stops at UCF and Fresno State. He’s got more than 8,000 yards passing and 65 touchdowns in his career.
While Keene does have the most experience, by far, on the roster, Underwood is the most talented. Thus, it’s our opinion, given that he will have nearly 40 practices under his belt by Week 1, the freshman will get the nod, and the elder statesman will be waiting in the wings, just in case.
But Keene isn’t the only one. After all, Michigan did bring in former Miami, Missouri, and East Carolina quarterback Jake Garcia last week to bolster the roster — also just in case.
Here is the current quarterback roster:
- graduate Jake Garcia (via East Carolina)
- graduate Mikey Keene (via Fresno State)
- senior Davis Warren (recovering from torn ACL in ReliaQuest Bowl)
- redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis
- true freshman Bryce Underwood
- true freshman Chase Herbstreit
