After an 8-5 season and a ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama, the Michigan Wolverines are a consensus top-20 team in CBS Sports’ post-spring rankings. However, to reclaim their 2023 national championship form, Michigan must make a bold move to tap the full potential of their five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
With veteran Mikey Keene as a fall-back quarterback option, using Underwood to his best could boost the Wolverines’ offense and secure their status as Big Ten title contenders.
Michigan Wolverines Can Boost Their Hopes If They Start Bryce Underwood On Day 1
Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, is a 6’3″ dual-threat star from Belleville, Michigan. His high school stats include impressive records like 3,165 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 512 rushing yards as a senior. His numbers made experts compare him with Vince Young.
One Nine on 26, let’s get to work🎮🔥#CFB26 #ad https://t.co/Q1T8R9c1Sb pic.twitter.com/GY5xMEkurF
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) May 27, 2025
Despite the Big Ten being flush with talent this season, including an Ohio State team looking to repeat, a title-hungry Penn State, and more, conference play won’t be easy. In CBS Sports’ most recent rankings, Michigan clocked in at No. 16.
During Michigan’s spring game, Underwood showed off his arm strength and form, completing 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown.
With a loaded roster featuring running back Kalel Mullings and tight end Colston Loveland, Underwood’s playmaking could further boost Michigan’s offense, which averaged just 24.3 points per game in 2024. However to fully utilize the talents of this young star, Wolverines will need to play bold put him up as a Day 1 starter.
Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who threw for 2,892 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, may be the program’s emergency safety net. His experience, with 23 starts over two seasons, may offer stability in case Underwood stumbles.
However, Keene’s 61.2% completion rate and nine interceptions last year pale against Underwood’s upside. Delaying Underwood’s ascent risks stagnating his development and squandering a chance to build chemistry with a veteran offensive line returning four starters.
Michigan’s 2025 schedule demands miracle plays. A Week 2 clash with Oklahoma and road games at Ohio State and USC can cut their season short if they don’t come up with a strong answer.
Underwood’s dual-threat ability could exploit defenses and give Michigan the upper hand, which they need if they plan to make a deep run this season. Especially alongside Mullings, who rushed for 897 yards last season, Underwood can be the answer.
In the end, Michigan’s path to a 2025 Big Ten title and CFP berth will depend on their decision on whether or not to use Underwood from Week 1.
His rare talent, leadership, and fit within Michigan’s system outweigh the risks of his inexperience. With Keene as a safety net and a star defense to lean on, the Wolverines can afford to take the plunge that could pay them back very nicely.
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