"I’m coming to take his job" Four-star QB target Trae Taylor sends signal to five-star Michigan QB signee Bryce Underwood

Five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood is the highest-rated signee in Michigan's 2025 class, and excitement surrounding his potential in Ann Arbor remains high. However, the Wolverines are also targeting their quarterback for the future, and four-star quarterback Trae Taylor is one of their key targets in the 2027 class.

In an interview with Blitz Sports Media, Taylor referred to Underwood as his "big bro."

“He (Underwood) will tell you we compete at everything," Taylor said. "It doesn’t matter what it is. But what I love about our relationship (is that) we truly want nothing but the best for each other. We like to see each other succeed period. So, if I come to Michigan, I’m coming to take his job. And crazy thing (is) Bryce will help me to develop to push him.”

Taylor indicated that he doesn’t plan to finalize his commitment until after March. As the top-ranked football player in Illinois, Taylor is also being heavily pursued by the in-state Illini, but Michigan currently leads in his recruitment with a 38.7% chance, according to On3.

A potential competition between Trae Taylor and Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, could be an exciting storyline for Wolverines fans.

“What I love about competition is seeing where I stack up," Taylor said. "Am I better than the guy next to me? It’s not someone’s opinion. We battle things out to know who is better. That’s what I love about competition."

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Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell is leading Michigan's efforts to recruit him. Besides the Wolverines, Taylor's top 12 schools are Ole Miss, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Ohio State, NC State, West Virginia, Illinois and LSU.

Future Michigan teammate vows to mentor Bryce Underwood

Bryce Underwood is regarded as one of the most gifted high school prospects in the last 5-10 years. He made an immediate impact as a freshman at Belleville High School (Michigan), and many believed he could do the same as a clear QB1 with the Michigan Wolverines.

However, the transfer of Mikey Keene from Fresno State introduces competition for the starting role. Despite the upcoming battle, Keene is embracing the opportunity to mentor Underwood.

"Bryce is going to learn a lot from me," Keene said. "I’m probably going to learn a lot from Bryce. Hopefully, I can leave him with a lot more than he knew coming in."

Keene is a seasoned quarterback with experience at UCF and brings veteran leadership to the team. Meanwhile, Davis Warren, who started most of the 2024 season, could also contend for the starting spot alongside Bryce Underwood and Keene.