University of Michigan starting quarterback Bryce Underwood returned to social media for the first time since head coach Sherrone Moore’s termination and arrest.
Underwood, 18, reacted to the news that Michigan backup quarterback Jaydn Davis intends to enter the transfer portal in the aftermath of Moore’s firing.
“Be the best you!” Underwood shared via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, December 16. “Thank you for everything my brother!”
Davis, 20, a four-star quarterback in the recruiting class of 2024, joined the Wolverines as the No.9-ranked quarterback recruit in the nation.
Despite the excitement and expectations, Davis saw action in just four games over two seasons during his time in Ann Arbor.
Davis can either wait to officially join the transfer portal when it opens nationally in early January or choose to join the portal five days after Michigan names a new head coach and a 15-day window opens for all Michigan players.
The Associated Press reported on Monday, December 15, that the university hopes to hire a new head coach by the end of the month.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi is currently helping Michigan prepare to face the University of Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Davis is the first Michigan player to express their desire to transfer since the shocking firing and subsequent arrest of head coach Moore, 39, on December 10.
Moore was terminated by the school after an investigation uncovered that he was having an “inappropriate relationship” with a football staff member.
Shortly after he was fired, Moore was arrested after allegedly breaking into the staff member’s apartment and threatening to harm her and himself.
Moore was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship and one count misdemeanor breaking and entering on Friday, December 12.
He was released on $25,000 bond and is due in court on January 22.
Interim head coach Poggi, 66, broke his silence about the Moore saga on Monday.
“It has been a tumultuous time,” Poggi told reporters during Citrus Bowl media availability. “A lot of anger. At first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the phase of the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed. We’re trying to work through that.”
Poggi said he “met individually with all the players multiple times” and has participated in Zoom calls with players’ parents “multiple times.”
“I want to listen to them,” Poggi said. “I want to understand what the kids are feeling and what their parents are feeling. A lot of listening. There’s been a wide range of emotions, as you can imagine. We’re kind of going through those steps. They’re not over yet and I don’t expect them to be over for a while, quite frankly.”
As players on the Michigan roster attempt to navigate an uncertain future, Poggi said he and the university understand if players choose not to participate in the upcoming bowl game.
“What we’ve told them is this is a personal decision for you all, based on a very unique situation,” Poggi said. “So, we’re trying to be really sensitive to making sure that we’re not forcing anybody into doing anything.”
