Though Michigan football doesn’t have the highest expectations in college football, the Wolverines probably could be thought of as being higher on most pundits’ lists. And a big reason is true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
The problem with the Wolverines last year wasn’t the defense. Though Michigan lost Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart and Will Johnson to the NFL, indications are the defense should continue to be among the nation’s best. The offense was the issue last year, and it appears Sherrone Moore fixed many of the ailments the maize and blue had.
It wasn’t just the offensive coordinator. The quarterback play — and the play calling for the quarterback — was abysmal. Michigan was last in the nation in yards per attempt in the passing game. Enter Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2025 who is accurate and can hit receivers at all levels.
What’s more, his processing, work ethic, and maturity surpass that of a true freshman.
247Sports’ Matt Zenitz spoke to some sources about what Underwood brings to the table and there’s abundant optimism he could be ready to go as Michigan’s starter in Week 1. What’s more, Zenitz’s sources built out just what kind of athlete and player Underwood is, and it should be awfully encouraging to Michigan football fans.
“He’s been amazing,” one source said. “Awesome human being. Puts in a ton of work. Already commands a room, even with as young as he is. Has a goal to learn everybody’s name in the building and gives the janitor the same respect that he gives the head coach. As a leader, he just gets it.”
The physical part has stood out as well.
As part of spring practice, Michigan’s quarterbacks would line up for a series of throwing drills such as throwing the ball into a net, throwing the ball over a trash can and other accuracy-related tests. There were times the other quarterbacks would go something like 3 for 5 on the throws and then Underwood, going last, would hit all five.
Simply put, watching Underwood has been much different than what Michigan saw from the three quarterbacks that started games for the Wolverines last season.
It all contributes to why it’s looking increasingly likely that Underwood ends up being the starting quarterback for the Wolverines when they open the season against New Mexico on Aug. 30.
“He reads the field really well, he gets the ball out, has a quick release and can deliver the ball on all three levels,” a source said. “That was stuff the quarterbacks struggled with last year. So to see him doing that stuff is very encouraging.”
Of course, it’s always a challenge when throwing a freshman out there, let alone a freshman quarterback. Even the recent phenoms — think Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa — didn’t start right away. Tagovailoa sat behind Jalen Hurts all year while Lawrence sat behind Kelly Bryant for the first five games.
Still, Underwood is needed, and he’s also getting a lot of time on task working up against Wink Martindale’s defense — which should provide early dividends. And if he can be as advertised, then those mulling over Michigan’s 8.5 over-under win total in 2025 might end up feeling a bit silly in the end.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Sources rave to CBS Sports about Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
