Michigan QB Bryce Underwood still needs to earn QB1 job, insider says

The Michigan Wolverines did something almost unprecedented this offseason when they brought in Bryce Underwood to play quarterback for them. The young player hasn't even turned 18 just yet, making him easily one of the sport's youngest players. That comes with a lot of pressure.

He's expected to start, but that only puts even more pressure on him. According to CBS Sports insider Chris Hummer, the Michigan QB might be favored to start, but he's under some pressure and has among the most to prove in training camp ahead of the season. 

"The Wolverines have far too much invested from an NIL standpoint for him to sit. The early returns on Underwood have been immensely positive, and CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz pegged him as the 'clear favorite' to be QB1 for the Wolverines in their opener," he began. 

That still doesn't mean he has nothing to prove before Week 1. He's not even officially the starter just yet. "The biggest potential hurdle to his starting path is likely Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who missed most of the spring with an upper body injury," Hummer added. 

Keene has something Underwood doesn't: a familiarity with Wolverines offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, as the two were together at UCF in 2022. He also has plenty of experience with over 8,000 career yards, something Underwood does not have. 

"Underwood will need to beat out Keene and continue to show the necessary maturity and comfort in the offense to be a Week 1 starter for the Wolverines. I'd bet on that happening," Hummer concluded. Underwood is still in the pole position, but it's not like he doesn't have a lot of work to do this summer to earn that spot.