It wasn't a surprise when news broke on Sunday night that Michigan football was going to name Bryce Underwood as its starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Head coach Sherrone Moore confirmed that on Monday. He said that Underwood could handle everything in the offense, while also making it clear that Jadyn Davis will be QB2.
However, the surprise on Monday came when Moore announced the starting offensive line, which is different from what most pundits expected. Evan Link will be the starting left tackle. Giovanni El-Hadi and Greg Crippen will be back at left guard and center, respectively, along with Andrew Sprague as the right tackle, just like in the bowl game.
#Michigan HC Sherrone Moore says the starting offensive line will be:
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) August 25, 2025
LT - Evan Link
LG - Gio El-Hadi
C - Greg Crippen
RG - Brady Norton
RT - Andrew Sprague
However, Cal-Poly transfer Brady Norton, who has seen time at offensive tackle, guard, and center, will get the nod at right guard over former four-star recruit Nathan Efobi.
Thoughts on Michigan football starting O-line
Norton, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 318 pounds, started 11 games in two seasons at left tackle for Cal-Poly. During his recruitment, Ohio State offered him a scholarship, but he had already made up his mind to transfer for Michigan football.
Some wondered if he would be ready to start this season. We'll find out this week. Efobi could still be in the mix and will likely be one of the first players off the bench if needed. Blake Frazier will likely be the first offensive tackle off the bench if there is an injury there.
We have talked about the Michigan offensive line being a question mark for the Wolverines. Last season, Moore named some surprise starters on the offensive line, who didn't work out. Hopefully, things work out better for Norton, who was an FCS All-American via FCS Football Central.
The first test will come on Saturday against New Mexico.