Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene announced his transfer to the Michigan Wolverines, bypassing elite schools like LSU, Georgia, and Clemson in a decision that has shocked the college football world. Michigan is hoping to rebuild their quarterback room after losing important players, so this move is a huge victory.
Keene provides a wealth of experience to the Wolverines, having started his college career at UCF before moving to Fresno State. He completed 68.7% of his throws for 5,868 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions in 24 games over his two seasons with the Bulldogs. He was placed on the Davey O’Brien Award watchlist prior to the 2024 season as a result of his performance.
After Jayden Denegal and Alex Orji were transferred, and J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL, Michigan’s quarterback situation has been unstable. A position group that also features sophomore Jadyn Davis and five-star freshman Bryce Underwood gains much-needed depth and experience with Keene’s arrival.
Prior to switching his commitment from LSU to Michigan, Underwood—the country’s top high school quarterback recruit—was said to have been swayed by strong NIL support and encouragement from Michigan alumni. Even though Underwood is regarded as the quarterback of the future, Michigan is able to avoid pushing the rookie into a starting position before he is ready thanks to Keene.
Keene’s transition to the Wolverines’ scheme should be made easier by his experience with Michigan’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey from their time together at UCF. His leadership and expertise will be crucial as Michigan attempts to bounce back from a dismal 2024 campaign in which they were 130th out of 134 teams in terms of passing offense.
With Keene, Underwood, and Davis all competing for the starting quarterback spot, there should be intense competition. The addition of Keene gives Michigan a seasoned option under center and strengthens the team’s depth at a crucial position, regardless of who ends up getting the starting nod.
Mikey Keene’s departure is a calculated effort to secure the quarterback position and set up the Wolverines for success in the cutthroat Big Ten Conference as they get ready for the 2025 campaign. Both supporters and experts will be intently observing how Michigan’s on-field performance is affected by this addition.