ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines football program is gearing up for fall camp, and things are heating up.
With all the noise surrounding the season, all Wolverines’ fans are worried about is the revamped offense, led by offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who shared insights on the quarterback competition and the team’s progress early in training camp.
“We always want to know the quarterback’s decision as soon as we can,” Lindsey said. “But it takes time to put guys in different situations. Playing good quarterback means understanding situational football and making great decisions.”
Speculation suggests that freshman phenom Bryce Underwood will be the presumptive starter, but the almost 18-year-old freshman will face an intense battle as transfer quarterback Mikey Keene returns from injury.
Lindsey explained the process of rotating quarterbacks through various scenarios, such as third-down and red-zone plays, to evaluate their performance under pressure.
“All our quarterbacks are competitive and smart,” Lindsey said. “But when the heat’s on, who can run the team and make the best decisions is the key.”
Following the Wolverines’ 8-6 season, winning against Ohio State and Alabama left an impression, as Michigan is ranked No. 14 in the preseason edition of the 2025 Coaches Poll.
The poll was released on Monday (Aug. 4), but Lindsey had his own hassle last season.
Reflecting on last season, Lindsey said his North Carolina Tar Heels made a quarterback decision a couple of weeks before the season started, but an injury in the first game forced them to adapt.
“We ended up playing three quarterbacks and settled on the guy who was our third guy out of camp,” Lindsey said. “Getting all of them reps and opportunities is important.”
Keene brings experience with 2,029 snaps in college football, which might be the right way to go, but when you have the top player in the class in your program, it’s hard not to play him.
Lindsey addressed the addition of two new quarterbacks this spring, including Jake Garcia, who joined the team recently.
“Jake has experience and a great attitude,” Lindsey said. “He’s still learning but has fit well into our room.”
→ Jake Garcia joins Michigan football amid intense quarterback competition
Lindsey praised Keene for his football knowledge and leadership despite missing spring snaps due to injury.
“Mikey is very good at the little things—handling the huddle, communication, preparation,” Lindsey said. “He and Jake have helped some of the younger guys like Jadyn and Bryce.”
Jadyn Davis battled it out with Underwood during the highly anticipated Spring Game, but Michigan fans are chomping at the bit for the freshman who has literally been the talk of the town.
→ Underwood, Davis quarterback battle heats up as Michigan football eyes offensive resurrection
Lindsey described Bryce as advanced for his age with impressive football knowledge and a strong work ethic.
“He’s a football junkie who arrives early and stays late and loves to study,” Lindsey said.
When asked about preparing a freshman quarterback for game day, Lindsey credited the Wolverines’ defense, led by Wink Martindale, for providing challenging practice reps.
“Our defensive coordinator presents a lot of looks,” Lindsey said. “Practicing against good players every day helps build experience.”
Lindsey emphasized that quarterback play is a team effort.
“We want the quarterback to make plays when it makes sense, take care of the football, and get us in and out of the right plays,” Lindsey said. “If we do those things, we’ll be successful no matter who it is.”
Regarding the wide receiver group, Lindsey said the players are pushing themselves to improve and compete for roles.
“We need the receivers to take a step, but also the offensive line and running game to help take pressure off,” Lindsey said. “Competition is good for everybody.”
Lindsey highlighted the leadership of Donaven McCulley, a former quarterback, who has adapted well to the offense.
“He’s got a good demeanor and a lot of talent,” Lindsey said. “We’re pushing him to be the best version of himself.”
Lindsey singled out tight end Marlin Klein as a key player.
“He’s one of the best blockers in the country with surprising speed,” Lindsey said. “He’s a blue-collar guy who loves the physicality of the position.”
On his relationship with former defensive coordinator and current head coach Mike Macdonald, Lindsey said they spend time together and share football insights.
“We hit it off from the beginning,” Lindsey said. “It’s important to build continuity and work together as a team.”
Lindsey praised kicker Dominic Zvada for his range and accuracy, noting his impact on situational football.
“He’s one of the best kickers in the country,” Lindsey said. “That affects game plans and how we approach field position.”
When asked about the criteria for winning the quarterback job, Lindsey said leadership and the ability to affect teammates are key.
“Playing quarterback is a leadership position,” Lindsey said. “The best guys aren’t always the loudest but know how to motivate others and handle stress.”
Lindsey said the coaching staff is working to put quarterbacks in challenging situations during practice to prepare them for game pressure.
On the offensive line, Lindsey said the group is more solidified than it was in the spring, but they are still figuring out the best combinations.
“We want 10 guys who can play without disrupting communication,” Lindsey said. “We’re pushing guys to take the next step.”
Regarding recruiting, Lindsey said recent NCAA rule changes have not significantly affected conversations with recruits.
“I’m focused on selling what Michigan is about,” Lindsey said. “Most players have representation handling those other conversations.”
On the possibility of playing a game in Germany, Lindsey said it’s interesting but far off.
“I’ve never been to Europe,” Lindsey said. “Right now, I’m focused on what we’re doing each day, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Michigan is expected to travel to Germany to take on Western Michigan as its home opener.
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