Can Bryce Underwood’s star potential outshine Mikey Keene’s veteran leadership and experience? We dive into the 2024 Pro Football Focus grades of some of Michigan’s quarterback hopefuls and see what’s ahead for the Wolverines in 2025:
As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for the 2025 season, the quarterback position has rapidly become one of the most intriguing storylines. With Davis Warren sidelined due to injury and the departures of Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal, Michigan faces a fresh start under center.
Using Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and insights — and high school statistics and accolades for Bryce Underwood — let’s analyze how these quarterbacks stack up and what fans can expect heading into the season.
Mikey Keene
When Michigan added Mikey Keene from the transfer portal, reactions were mixed among fans. Coming off a respectable season at Fresno State, Keene boasts a wealth of experience, having thrown for 2,892 yards, a 70 percent completion rate and 18 touchdowns in 2024. An overall PFF grade of 71.2 highlights his competence under center, while his 73.5 passing grade ranked 64th among all FBS quarterbacks last year with at least 50 or more attempts.
Keene’s connection with new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey played a significant role in his transfer to Ann Arbor. Lindsey’s familiarity with Keene could accelerate the quarterback’s adjustment to Michigan’s system, giving him an edge in the competition. However, the question remains — can Keene elevate his game to match the lofty expectations of a program aiming for a return to the College Football Playoff?
Bryce Underwood
The buzz surrounding Underwood is impossible to ignore. As the highest-rated quarterback recruit in Michigan football history, Underwood enters his freshman year with immense expectations. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, the Belleville product has drawn comparisons to Vince Young for his dual-threat abilities, but is already considered a more polished passer at this stage of his career.
#1 Recruit Bryce Underwood highlights.
Michigan’s starting QB next year pic.twitter.com/2RUxfg9dBZ
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 1, 2024
Underwood’s elite potential has media outlets predicting he will make win the starting job as a true freshman. PFF doesn’t yet have data for Underwood, but his high school accolades and scouting reports suggest he’s ready for the next level. With a “high” likelihood of starting from day one, according to 247Sports , Underwood’s ceiling makes him the most exciting prospect in this competition.
Davis Warren
Warren’s 2024 season ended on a somber note when he tore his ACL during Michigan’s 19-13 ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama. Despite the injury, Warren confirmed his commitment to the program and will be back competing once he is healthy enough.
In 2024, he completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,199 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions across six starts. While his statistics reflect some inconsistency, PFF graded Warren at 72.1 overall — fairly comparable to Keene’s 71.2.
Although Warren won’t be in the mix immediately, his eventual return will ensure important depth and veteran leadership in Michigan’s quarterback room.
Jadyn Davis
After finishing his freshman season with just one snap — a late garbage-time handoff against Northwestern — Davis’ 60.0 overall PFF grade does little to reflect the potential of the former four-star recruit.
During Davis’ high school recruitment, the hometown North Carolina Tar Heels were considered a potential destination for him. His lead recruiter at UNC — the recently hired Lindsey. Whether that hire and the influx of new competition will ultimately lead to an increased role for Davis remains to be seen, but he is a huge question mark moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The quarterback battle between Keene and Underwood represents a classic clash of experience versus potential. Keene brings proven production and a steady presence, while Underwood offers unparalleled talent and a chance to redefine Michigan’s offense.
Head coach Sherrone Moore and Lindsey face a tough decision, but one thing is clear — the Wolverines are well-positioned for 2025 and beyond.