There are a lot of big storylines for Michigan football heading into the 2025 season, but none is bigger than that of quarterback Bryce Underwood. After struggles at the quarterback position derailed Michigan's 2024 season, the Wolverines spent big to bring a generational quarterback to Ann Arbor. Now, the question is, how soon is Underwood going to see the field?
We've seen Michigan football be conservative with playing young quarterbacks in the past, and history tells us that even for the highest rated quarterbacks, many don't start the first game of the season, if they start any games at all as a freshman. Heck, Arch Manning is a rising junior and has sat the bench for two seasons after being the #1 recruit.
Even Trevor Lawrence, who Underwood has been compared to as a prospect, didn't start until week five of his freshman season. So history is against Underwood starting week one, but will he?
Michigan football is in a unique situation
The Wolverines are in a unique situation heading into 2025 in that they have a huge test early in the season at Oklahoma week two. They also have a very experienced transfer quarterback who is very serviceable in Mikey Keene. So despite the fact that Underwood is likely the most talented quarterback on the roster, will experience win out to start the season?
I think that everybody expects that Underwood will be the starting quarterback by the end of the season, but Michigan football has a difficult start to the year and won't be able to afford many slip ups. Playing at Oklahoma week two and at Nebraska week four is a brutal stretch to put a freshman quarterback through. Michigan football needs to be able to win those games.
On paper, Underwood is the obvious choice to start week one. But football games aren't played on paper. Mikey Keene is experienced and knows what it takes to lead a collegiate program. He's played on big stages and won't be rattled in tough environments like Norman or Lincoln. However...
Underwood may just be too talented to bench
Michigan football was reportedly willing to invest 10+ million dollars in Bryce Underwood. That, along with the glowing reports he's been receiving so far, indicate that Michigan sees him as an instant starter. Michigan wants its offense to be much more dynamic in 2025 under Chip Lindsey, and Underwood can take the offense to that level.
Another factor here could be any additions Michigan makes during the Spring transfer portal period. As I just said, Michigan wants to run a dynamic offense in 2025. If it doesn't land any playmakers at the wide receiver position, we could see Michigan opt to play more conservatively to start the season, which would favor Keene.
With that being said, I'd predict that Bryce Underwood will be Michigan's week one starter against New Mexico. Whether or not that prediction is accurate, it will only be a matter of time until the generational quarterback takes the field for the Wolverines.