BELLEVILLE, Mich. — It’s unusual for a big-time college football team to have the No. 1 recruit in the country committed and to then fire the extant offensive coordinator the day before signing day. Such was the case for Michigan football.
The Wolverines gained a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood on Nov. 21, and on Dec. 3, after Michigan football beat Ohio State, Sherrone Moore announced he was firing OC Kirk Campbell.
While that may be unnerving to some recruits, obviously, the maize and blue struggled mightily on offense in 2024. With the No. 128 attack on that side of the ball, new blood was needed.
As for Underwood, he trusts Moore will make the right decision to get a coach who will maximize his potential.
“No matter what it is, I really — we really haven’t focused on that,” Underwood said. “That’s really not the conversation. That’s (Moore’s) job to pick. So that’s not in my hands or anything like that. But overall, no matter who it is, I will adjust. I’m very good at adjusting. I’m very good at processing and learning.”
Additionally, the Wolverines likely will not just sit by in the transfer portal at the quarterback position.
Though Underwood could potentially start right away, Michigan football wants to create a culture of competition. It’s rumored that a veteran quarterback — such as USC’s Miller Moss — could come to Ann Arbor to push Underwood and potentially start while the freshman phenom works as his understudy.
Underwood is fully open to that possibility, noting he didn’t come to Ann Arbor for a starting job handout. He wants to earn the opportunity, and he’ll do everything he can to work toward becoming QB1 of Michigan football.
“Competition is competition,” Underwood said. “No matter who they bring in, or who was there — no matter what, I’m still going to compete.”
Underwood is expected to arrive on campus shortly, but he will not be able to start practicing until Dec. 19, he shared on Wednesday.