Overview

• Head coach Sherrone Moore said Underwood "earned the opportunity," praising his maturity, leadership and poise at age 18.
• The consensus No. 1 recruit will start Saturday vs. New Mexico, becoming one of the program’s few true freshmen to open a season under center and the first since 2009.
• Underwood won a months-long competition that included transfers Mikey Keene and Jake Garcia, with Keene limited in practice and 2024 starter Davis Warren still rehabbing an ACL injury.
• Michigan confirmed the decision Monday after informing the quarterback room Sunday, and the program posted the announcement on its official social account.
• Media reports highlight a major NIL haul for Underwood, with estimates of roughly $10.5–$12 million over four years and his father telling the Wall Street Journal he expects more than $15 million over the next three seasons, as Michigan seeks a passing-game rebound under new OC Chip Lindsey.