Letting your prized horse roam free in a field full of poachers? Not a wise move. Yet, that’s precisely what Sherrone Moore is doing with Bryce Underwood. Spring games, once cherished events—previews of the future, reputation builders, pillars of tradition—have been upended. The transfer portal and NIL have created a recruiting free-for-all, forcing coaches to guard their top players like Fort Knox. Not Moore. He’s emphasizing Michigan’s heritage, potentially jeopardizing Underwood’s position, and inviting rival attacks.

Remember Matt Rhule’s “tampering” war cry? Understandable, given the Huskers’ player losses. Dante Dowdell’s departure, influenced by meddling, underscores the issue. Teams like Texas, USC, Ohio State, and Clemson are wary. But Sherrone Moore seems unfazed by the potential consequences of a spring game, or perhaps he values tradition above all.

Speaking to On3, he stated, “I want to keep our spring game, and it’s just going to depend on circumstances how we can get it done. It’s an opportunity for our players, especially the guys that don’t get to play on those Saturdays, to be in front of a crowd and be in front of people.” A valid point: spring games offer valuable development opportunities. However, they also open the door to poaching, a risk Moore shouldn’t take, especially with Underwood.

But unlike others, Sherrone Moore appears unafraid…..

Despite a hefty $10 million investment to secure 5-star QB Bryce Underwood, Sherrone Moore is willing to test fate. Adding to his stance, he said, “And I know the risk—people are going to poach your players…People are going to do that regardless. People shop players. I don’t think the spring game is going to make a big difference in whether your guys get poached or not.” It’s hard to argue with that confidence.

The new transfer portal and NIL rules have fundamentally changed college football recruiting. Players now move between schools like free agents without the traditional sit-out year. NIL deals have become a major factor, with recruits often drawn to the highest offers, not just the most prestigious programs. Coaches are constantly battling to retain their players, as loyalty has become a secondary consideration.

But Moore’s Michigan? “We got to do a great job continuing the relationships we have with our players so that we can keep the ones we got and we want. We’ll take it day by day, and we’ll go from there,” Moore noted. This approach, while challenging, is achievable. Dabo Swinney, for example, retained 16 starters despite the portal’s influence. It’s the culture and the strength of relationships that make the difference.

Moore poached Underwood from LSU, but with Michigan’s NIL deal in place, he’s likely not sweating the QB’s immediate situation. However, while Underwood enjoys his rewards, it’s crucial to remember that money alone doesn’t guarantee retention. Schools must also provide the right environment, culture, and coaching to attract players seeking a legitimate path to the professional league.

Sherrone Moore on Bryce Underwood’s future

Being the highest paid is cool, but it loses its value if you’re just holding a clipboard all season. Michigan invested heavily in recruiting Bryce Underwood, yet his path to QB1 will be a tough climb. He’s gearing up for spring practice, aiming for a starting role by early 2026. However, he faces stiff competition from Kavyan Bryant, a standout 2027 recruit. Recent roster changes, especially at running back, may further complicate matters.

“I know they got Bryce Underwood. I feel like that’s my type of comparison.” Bryant is ready for a fight, sending a clear message before turning his focus to Texas. But the competition doesn’t end there. Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene and 6’1” redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis are also vying for the starting quarterback position. Despite Underwood’s hype and NIL deals, the Ann Arbor quarterback battle remains wide open.

And Sherrone Moore won’t hand out the job based on NIL money alone. While he acknowledges Underwood’s talent and work ethic, he’s not rushing a decision. “Everybody is going to get an even amount of snaps. And then we’ll make a decision, whether it goes in the spring or after spring. But we’re not going to try to rush into it. We’ll figure out whoever that person needs to be. So it could be in the spring, could be in the fall. We’ll just take it day by day and not rush it,” Moore told ON3.

As Michigan refines its offense, Coach Moore has a lot to weigh before choosing a starter. Underwood has the skills, but can he truly outshine the competition?