Bryce Underwood, the highly touted freshman quarterback from Michigan, is under pressure to perform despite his youth. The 6-4, 208-pound signal-caller has a reputation for being an athletic and savvy player, but he still needs time to develop in college football’s high-stakes environment.
In the Wolverines’ spring game scrimmage, Underwood showed flashes of promise, completing 12 of 26 passes for 187 yards with one interception and a touchdown. However, his performance was not without its flaws, as he zipped some nice throws but also fired a few more high. The offense struggled with penalties, which could be a concern moving forward.
Underwood’s growth is heavily influenced by the team’s offense line, which needs work to make an immediate impact. Quarterback play is often affected by the line, and Michigan coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged that the quarterback competition will continue into fall camp.
Despite the pressure, Underwood has been focused on his training, according to teammate Jordan Marshall. “He’s secure with who he is, building relationships with everyone,” Marshall said.
The Wolverines’ defense appears to be their strongest unit, but containing Underwood has been a challenge for players like Ernest Hausmann. “Bryce is somebody that has a high IQ for the game,” Hausmann said.
Underwood’s recruitment was marked by controversy, as he initially committed to LSU before joining Michigan with NIL money. However, the Wolverines’ emphasis on team competition and Underwood’s humility have helped him fit in seamlessly.
As the season approaches, Underwood will face expectations and stiff competition from his teammates, including Marshall and Justice Haynes. With time and tools, he should be able to grasp the challenges ahead and live up to his promise as a generational athlete.
Source: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/2025/04/20/wojo-michigan-footballs-bryce-underwood-has-tons-of-talent-needs-time-and-a-line/83182702007