As Michigan begins a sudden teaching search, there’s an apparent actuality for whomever emerges as this system’s subsequent head man: Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is the highest retention precedence whereas coming off a dynamic freshman marketing campaign. He began each sport, led Michigan to a 9-3 file and completed the yr ranked twenty eighth in ESPN’s QBR metric. Not dangerous for somebody who turned 18 solely 11 days earlier than his collegiate debut on Aug. 30.
Now, Michigan wants to determine a option to maintain him amidst one of many extra sudden teaching modifications in latest reminiscence with Sherrone Moore being fired for trigger because of an alleged inappropriate relationship with a Michigan worker.
There aren’t any ensures about Underwood’s future in Ann Arbor. Groups are already circling. However there may be no less than some safety for Michigan amid this transition.
Whereas the Wolverines are anticipated to let any latest signees who want to half methods with Michigan out of their income share/grant of help paperwork, most of the gamers already on the roster are certain by contracts.
Underwood signed a multi-year deal out of highschool that sources point out compensates him $2 million-plus a yr. There’s additionally a substantial buyout connected to his deal, in accordance with these accustomed to the contract, which might make it extra sophisticated for Underwood to switch if he needed to take action.
How the trade is reacting to Michigan firing Sherrone Moore: ‘Did not assume it was truly going to occur’
Richard Johnson
Past the contractual language tying Underwood and Michigan collectively, there’s additionally two realities that work in Michigan’s favor.
First, Underwood IS Michigan soccer in 2025.
Underwood grew up simply outdoors of Detroit, some half-hour from Michigan’s campus. His jerseys are all over the place across the metropolis. He is the preferred Wolverine of the post-Jim Harbaugh period.
“On the finish of the day, Bryce is Michigan,” a supply mentioned. “And he is aware of that.”
Underwood may go to someplace like LSU, the place he flipped from late within the 2025 cycle. However he would not have the resonance in Baton Rouge or anyplace else that he does in Ann Arbor. That sense of accountability and loyalty towards house is a purpose he flipped within the first place. In equity, Underwood was initially completely prepared to go to LSU out of highschool. Being house and being near household issues to Underwood, but it surely’s not his singular precedence.
Second, Moore’s departure may be useful by way of protecting Underwood round.
Sources point out Underwood wasn’t thrilled along with his growth and training this season. Michigan threw the 121st fewest passes within the FBS this season. It is a massive purpose the Wolverines have been concentrating on a devoted quarterbacks coach this offseason to help Moore (an o-line coach by commerce) and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey with the room.
A recent begin with a brand new head coach/quarterbacks coach combo could be useful for Michigan in its efforts to retain Underwood and maintain him glad over the long run.
However there’s additionally an apparent actuality tied to Underwood’s future: Different groups are circling.
Trade sources have indicated a number of high-level applications are anticipated to no less than make a run at Underwood, who might be a cornerstone piece for a contender over the subsequent few seasons. And with uncertainty comes alternative for these applications trying to push Underwood out.
It isn’t anticipated that Underwood makes an instantaneous choice to switch. However the Wolverines are going to need to make the best rent in the event that they wish to assure their franchise quarterback stays house.
Hiring a head coach is the highest precedence for Michigan soccer. Retaining Underwood is not far behind.
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