Sherrone Moore seems to be winning again! Recruitment-wise. Now that they have a bluechip QB in Bryce Underwood, Michigan is on a hunt for a veteran transfer portal QB to compete with or mentor the No. 1 5-star QB. The Wolverines are already in connection with Dequan Finn. But the former Baylor QB isn’t the only target as another dynamic portal QB is on his way to Ann Arbor. 

CFB reporter Matt Zenitz gave a Michigan recruiting update on December 19 on X. The report stated that “Ex-Fresno State and UCF QB Mikey Keene is set to visit Michigan this weekend following his visit to Ole Miss.” Zenitz also added that Mikey Keene “was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection each of the last two years at Fresno.”

One obvious thing about Mikey Keene is that he has years of experience of being a signal caller. The 5’11, 200-pounder first joined UCF in 2020 then transferred to Fresno State and played for two seasons. He recorded 2,892 yards and 18 touchdowns this season before entering the portal. He already passed for 8,245 yards in his four seasons in college football. 

But as Matt Zenitz mentioned, Michigan isn’t the only program trying to win Keene’s favor, as Lane Kiffin also had him on campus before this. Mikey Keene has been to The Big House this year. Although that was to compete with them in the season opener where they lost 30-10. But this time, Keene’s previous connection with a Michigan coach could favor him in the portal race. 

Mikey Keene’s connection with Michigan staff

Mikey Keene entered the transfer portal as one of the top QBs at No. 32 with one year of eligibility remaining. But the positive thing about him and Michigan is that both sides have some connections. How? Michigan’s OC Chip Lindsey used to coach UCF. During that time in 2022, Keene was a backup player to Lindsey’s offense. So there could be some familiarity even for a Mountain West player to adapt to the Michigan offense.  

During his two seasons at UCF, Mikey Keene started 11 games compiling a record of 8-3. As a true freshman, he recorded 1,730 yards and 17 touchdowns before redshirting in 2022 and appearing in just four games. One thing is certain though. Keene is more of a pocket passer with just -379 rushing yards compared to his 8000+ passing yards in four seasons. 

It’s possible that Mikey Keene could get to play his last college football snaps in The Big House. But it’s also a very unpredictable situation so we’ll follow up to see what happens.