Underwood’s hold on the job isn’t guaranteed anymore, as the Wolverines now have multiple options to evaluate. Spring practice is shaping up as a true competition rather than a foregone conclusion about who starts in the fall.
Former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner believes spring ball will determine the winner, with any of the three quarterbacks capable of seizing the role. He identifies Fowler-Nicolosi as the wildcard in the equation.
Gardner notes that Michigan’s staff already has familiarity with Nicolosi, and that familiarity with Underwood and Hurley could help Nicolosi integrate quickly and push for results. He also points out Nicolosi’s maturity, while cautioning that past seasons may have left him with some bad habits from focusing on one target.
Still, Gardner stresses that Nicolosi must prove himself as a true competitor in spring—be better than Hurley and Underwood to win the job. If that doesn’t materialize, he could consider transferring after spring practices.
In short, Michigan’s QB room is markedly more crowded, with spring practice serving as the decisive period to determine whether Underwood remains the starter or a new leader emerges. The development underscores a pivotal season for Michigan’s passing game and quarterback development.
