Michigan football entered the 2025 season with the goal of building a strong team foundation, but uncertainty quickly emerged when head coach Sherrone Moore faced a suspension. Moore is serving a two-game self-imposed suspension to start the season, along with an additional game in 2026, following an impermissible scouting violation.
In his absence, associate head coach Biff Poggi is taking over. He will guide the team through early challenges while managing a roster that lost several key players.
Suspension of Michigan’s Head Coach Sherrone Moore, True Freshman Bryce Underwood Stealing Spotlight
The suspension came after Moore deleted a text message thread with quarterback Connor Stalions. Although he eventually provided the messages to the NCAA, the governing body decided that the initial deletion deserved a penalty, even though the messages themselves contained nothing incriminating.
While Moore’s absence might have cast a shadow over Michigan, the spotlight has shifted to true freshman Bryce Underwood, who has quickly made a name for himself.
Underwood, a highly-rated five-star recruit, earned the starting quarterback job for the season opener against New Mexico on August 30, 2025, beating out competitors like Jadyn Davis, Mikey Keene, and Jake Garcia. His poise, confidence, and skill have impressed everyone around him.
Even former head coach Urban Meyer has noticed.
“Don’t pump the brakes on Bryce Underwood. He’s going to be fantastic. I love this player. His release, everything looks fantastic, but true freshmen are not supposed to go on the road and win games at Oklahoma,” Meyer said, praising Underwood despite Michigan’s 24-13 loss to No. 13 Oklahoma.
“He’s going to be fantastic. I love this player.”@CoachUrbanMeyer on freshman QB Bryce Underwood’s career start with @UMichFootball 👇 pic.twitter.com/DDtp8r679b
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 12, 2025
The loss highlighted the steep learning curve for a freshman quarterback facing top-tier competition, but patience is key. Underwood is eager to keep improving, learning from Moore when he returns, and helping Michigan stay competitive.
Michigan Faces Early Challenges, Hoping to Rebound with Underwood
Michigan fans have reason for excitement despite the first difficulties. The coaching staff’s backing, Underwood’s skill, and the advice of experienced coaches like Meyer indicate that the Wolverines may still have a successful season and even challenge for a bowl game.
Read More: Dave Portnoy Calls Out Sherrone Moore’s Bryce Underwood Plan Amid Michigan HC’s Suspension Update
All eyes will be on Underwood’s development and Michigan’s capacity to overcome hardship as they begin the year 2025 without Moore on the field. For now, the true freshman quarterback is giving fans plenty of hope and proof that the future of Michigan football is in capable hands.