I don't know his degree situation but if I were him I'd come back again next year on scholarship, play some football and work on another degree while I can. He doesn't have NFL hopes IMO so maximize your potential while you can at UM. No knock on him as a person.
He'd only have reduced snaps, not benched.
It's a worse look for the locker room to continue playing favorites and playing the least talented player over other, better, options.
You earn respect by playing the most talent regardless of situation.