The 2024 season is one that Michigan Wolverines fans will likely want to forget. The first hit came with the departure of their head coach, Jim Harbaugh. When Sherrone Moore stepped in, things didn’t get any easier for the reigning National Champions. Forget another Natty this time around; Moore’s team didn’t even make the playoffs, ending with five losses. While the 2025 season is yet to lift the curtains, the question is whether they can reclaim their lost pride. A national analyst has already weighed in with a strong opinion. Meanwhile, a major win for Moore has been landing Bryce Underwood, the top quarterback recruit in the 2025 class. However, it looks like someone else is going to give him a run for his money and already boasts a $450K NIL valuation.

In Ann Arbor, Harbaugh had spread his charm. Why wouldn’t he? After all, he ended the 27-year-old drought since the last time Michigan won the national championship was in 1997. Just when the Wolverines fans were eagerly waiting to witness more of Harbaugh’s magic, the head coach left the program. So, it was obvious that the ceiling was too high for Moore. Despite an impressive performance to finish the season, Michigan spent much of 2024 struggling mightily on the offensive side. You name the issues; the Wolverines caught it. Struggling with passing attack? Check. Lack of creativity with play calling? Check. And all these had an impact on the rankings.

Moore’s squad ranked 130th in total offense, 129th in passing offense, and 113th in scoring among all 133 FBS teams. It will be easier to realize how they had a free fall if we take into account their 2023 stats. They ranked 14th nationally in total offense. So, Michigan fans must already be scared, sensing an impending doom. On the April 26th episode of the On3 podcast, host J.D. PicKell came with a moral boost. “Jim Harbaugh era also included Sherrone Moore and what he did on the recruiting show.” He continued, “The Jim Harbaugh era also now included Sean Magee for a period of time. Sean Magee is a guy who’s now back at Michigan as your general manager.”

To add to their worries, Moore lost key players who were part of the 2024 Natty-winning team to the 2025 NFL Draft. They have lost three jewels who got drafted in the top 15. Defensive tackle Mason Graham went to Cleveland as No.5 pick, tight end Colston Loveland landed with the Chicago Bears at No.10 and DT Kenneth Grant went to Miami Dolphins at No.13. But PicKell sounded confident, “A part of that developmental apparatus in place and the coaching staff in place makes me feel like this is just kind of the start for Michigan.” Last year, no Michigan fan was happy with how things went for Moore’s program. Amidst all the gloom, they still defeated powerhouses like Alabama and Ohio State. 

Turns out that PicKell is convinced about how things are cooking in Moore’s squad, and it’s going to be a tasty concoction. As the analyst noted, “Three guys in the first 15 picks? I think it’s about to really go in a completely different stratosphere for Michigan because the raw ingredients you got, like I just mentioned, they weren’t five-star ingredients. All in the future they are going to be five-star ingredients.” But how is it going to be possible? With the financial backing that Moore and Co. are already blessed with—we have seen that during Underwood’s recruiting chase. And that’s the reason why Moore’s quarterback must worry a little. 

Sherrone Moore’s new quarterback insurance policy

By now, college football fans are likely familiar with the Bryce Underwood recruiting battle, which ultimately saw Moore emerge victorious. The deciding factor in this intense race came down to who could offer the most substantial financial package. Underwood was initially pledged to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. That’s when Moore played his trump card to swing things in Michigan’s direction: a hefty $10.5 million offer landed on Underwood’s table. But, point to be noted, it would not have been possible with Moore himself fighting for it.

The collective that played a key role in securing Underwood’s commitment was the Champions Circle. And the deep pockets behind this massive deal? None other than billionaire Larry Ellison, the software and media magnate who co-founded Oracle. But right now, it might be time for Underwood to feel a little unease. Michigan has already found another quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class: Brady Smigiel from Newberry Park (Calif.) High. The competition for this commitment came down to Smigiel and three-star signal-caller Nathan Bernhard. However, Moore pushed hard for Smigiel and successfully gained his verbal commitment.

Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Smigiel is ranked as the No. 9 quarterback and the No. 92 overall recruit in the nation. So, it’s no surprise that his NIL valuation is quite significant. After throwing for an impressive 3,521 yards and 49 touchdowns with only three interceptions during his junior season, Brady Smigiel holds an NIL valuation of $450K. Now, Sherrone Moore might be keen to avoid a situation similar to what Brian Kelly experienced. In that case, he might focus on keeping Smigiel in the fold by offering competitive financial incentives. This development could mean Bryce Underwood’s previously smooth path is starting to look a bit uncertain.