Michigan’s sudden coaching vacancy has placed freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood at the center of one of college football’s most unexpected retention battles.
The Wolverines fired head coach Sherrone Moore with cause on Wednesday amid an investigation into his alleged conduct with a staff member. Less than a day later, Moore was taken into custody as a suspect in an alleged assault, creating additional uncertainty inside the building and around the program’s top young star.
Underwood’s representatives at Equity Sports are watching closely to see who Michigan hires next, according to On3. The former No. 1 overall recruit flipped from LSU to Michigan late in the cycle, in part due to a landmark four-year contract worth an estimated $10–12 million.
The current deal does not contain a buyout clause, allowing Underwood to enter the transfer portal without financial penalty.
That being said, expect many school to check on Underwood and ask for his level of interest elsewhere. According to the report, the identity and vision of the next head coach will play a major role in determining whether the 18-year-old remains in Ann Arbor.
Underwood started all season, throwing for 2,229 yards with nine touchdowns and rushing for 323 yards and five scores as Michigan finished 9-3.
With the early signing period underway and the portal opening Jan. 2, Michigan’s hire will carry immediate consequences. Underwood’s camp obviously feel whoever is next up will need to have their clients' best interest in mind.
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