Michigan football may have finally found their answer at quarterback. Providing a major boon to the program’s offensive depth, the Wolverines have landed Fresno State transfer QB Mikey Keene. After a rough season through the air in 2024, finishing 128th in passing offense, this move signals that head coach Sherrone Moore is committed to revamping the Wolverine’s aerial attack. Keene has already received positive feedback from his new teammates.
“Feel like he’s a smaller guy, he can run, feel like he has good touch on the ball, can extend plays,” Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham said of Keene before their season opener, where the quarterback showed flashes of brilliance despite a 30-10 loss to the Wolverines.
Throughout that game, Keene went 22-for-36 for 235 yards and a touchdown. Taking a deeper dive into Keene’s numbers reveals an impressive story. Keene dominated the Mountain West this season, leading the conference in completions (277), completion percentage (70.5%), and total yards (2,892).
His career stats are even more eye-popping: 8,245 yards and 65 touchdowns across stints at UCF and Fresno State. This level of consistency at the QB position is exactly what Michigan has been lacking and should provide Moore with the talent he needs to rethink the Wolverine’s offensive strategy.
Although the Wolverines already secured five-star recruit Bryce Underwood with a massive NIL package, Keene’s veteran presence should prove invaluable. At 5’11” and 180 pounds, Keene offers a different offensive dynamic than the NFL-prototypical Underwood (6’4″, 214 pounds).
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that Underwood will be a freshman and, although a phenomenal athlete, he’ll need time to adjust. After parting ways with offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell, new OC Chip Lindsey brings a balanced attack from North Carolina that aligns with Moore’s vision.
With Keene’s proven track record (appearing on both the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Manning Award watchlists) and Underwood’s potential, the Wolverines’ quarterback room has transformed from a cause of concern into a major strength for the program.
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