Outside of getting the head coach right, the most important thing for Michigan football to do is keep Bryce Underwood as the program's starting quarterback.
The former five-star recruit and No. 1 overall prospect led the Wolverines to a 9-3 record during the 2025 regular season. He accounted for 14 touchdowns, threw six interceptions and averaged 217 total yards per game.
Underwood didn't quite meet expectations this season. But coaching was clearly not as good as it could have been. Still, Underwood flashed incredible potential. His games against Washington, Northwestern, New Mexico, Maryland, and Wisconsin showed what he's capable of.
According to Chris Hummer of CBS Sports, Underwood wasn't thrilled with his development last season. Who could blame him? The Wolverines were far too conservative with him at times.
With Sherrone Moore being fired, Michigan football fans can expect other programs to make a run at him. That could be easier than some expected if the reporting of Pete Nakos from On3.com is correct. Nakos reported on Thursday that there is no buyout in Underwood's NIL deal with Michigan.
NEW: Bryce Underwood's contract with Michigan does not include a buyout, @PeteNakos reports.
— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2025
Underwood’s camp is paying close attention to who the next hire will be.
Intel: https://t.co/fwjXRZozxH pic.twitter.com/Xqm77gYuhV
Conflicting reports baout Bryce Underwood's buyout
That would make it clear to leave for another program. Hummer, on the other hand, reported in his article that Underwood does have a buyout.
"Underwood signed a multi-year deal out of high school that sources indicate compensates him $2 million-plus a year. There is also a considerable buyout attached to his deal, according to those familiar with the contract, which would make it more complicated for Underwood to transfer if he wanted to do so," Hummer wrote.
Even if there is a buyout, it feels like if another program wants Underwood bad enough, there will be enough money to get him out of the contract. Michigan needs to make a strong hire. It also needs to hire someone who can help develop Underwood.
That doesn't mean the next head coach has to be a QB guru, although someone like Kalen DeBoer or Kenny Dillingham would be ideal. Jedd Fisch, too. But even if it were someone else, they could hire someone to help develop Underwood.
Either way, the next few weeks are critical. If Michigan makes the right moves, it might be able to keep Underwood, although it's far from a sure thing.