Quarterback Bryce Underwood’s future at the University of Michigan reportedly could depend heavily on who the Wolverines hire as their next head football coach.
According to On3.com’s Pete Nakos, Underwood’s representatives are “paying close attention” to who Michigan hires to replace Sherrone Moore. There is reportedly no buyout attached to Underwood’s NIL contract, paving the way for him to enter the transfer portal if he so chooses.
Nakos added that sources said Michigan’s next head coaching hire will be “critical” in determining Underwood’s future at the school.
The University of Michigan announced Wednesday that it fired Moore for cause after the school found “credible evidence” that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
After originally committing to LSU, Underwood flipped to Michigan last year with Nakos reporting that Underwood landed an NIL deal that will pay him about $5 million during his collegiate career.
Underwood was 247Sports’ No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025, and 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins compared him to former University of Texas star Vince Young.
The Wolverines went 9-3 during Underwood’s first campaign as the starter, ending the regular season with a 27-9 loss to rival Ohio State.
Underwood completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,229 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions, while also rushing for 323 yards and five scores.
As has been the case in recent years, the Wolverines largely relied on their ground game this season with running backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes combining to rush for nearly 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns.
While Underwood’s freshman year left plenty to be desired statistically, he is still considered an elite talent who will undoubtedly generate a ton of interest from high-profile schools if he decides to enter the transfer portal.
For now, associate head coach Biff Poggi is filling in as the Wolverines’ interim head coach, and he will lead the team in the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Dec. 31.
In terms of finding a more permanent solution at head coach, Michigan faces a tough challenge since many of the top available candidates have already taken jobs.
The risk of players transferring always exists when a coaching change is made, but Underwood’s situation will be of particular interest to college football fans given that he was considered the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class.
