Since the day Bryce Underwood received his first scholarship, the pressure of an entire university has been on his shoulders. Now he is days away from taking his first college snap, and the expectations are mounting. Michigan crazies will expect him to outdo what anyone has done before him, but that's what comes with being the consensus No. 1 recruit. Here are five things that he'll be counted on for over the next three years to accomplish.
Win a National Championship
It shouldn't be another quarter of a century wait for the next national championship. Bryce Underwood basically guarantees that notion. The 2025 schedule is the easiest to manage over the next three years, but freshman quarterbacks don't win many championships based on history. Plus, the coaches still need to build around him with more weapons on offense.
Win the Heisman Trophy
By his second year in Ann Arbor, Bryce Underwood ought to be considered the Heisman frontrunner. He should be in the conversation alongside his classmates like Keelon Russell at Alabama and Tavien St. Clair of Ohio State. This one may be a little harder to nab because of the way that Michigan's offense runs. Chip Lindsey has to find ways to play to his strengths.
Win multiple Big Ten Championships
Winning one Big Ten crown won't be enough to satisfy the Michigan fanbase. Underwood has to win at least two in an even more intense conference. This is where the staff has to use the NIL to their fullest extent. Landing Savion Hiter and some reinforcements in the portal will be critical here.
Keep beating Ohio State
This is probably the most important one because Buckeye fans cannot deal with the fact that they have lost the grip on the world's most unrelenting rivalry. I mean if Davis Warren can do it with practically no offense, then it should be a synch for Underwood.
Be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft
When his Michigan football career is all done, Underwood has to be the first quarterback to go No. 1 overall for the University. Chip Lindsey tutored Drake Maye to the third selection, and Underwood is surely more talented than the Tar Heel was. Development like Tom Brady had in the league would be Underwood's college criteria.
Can Bryce Underwood overcome the constant nagging of Michigan ingrates or will he crumble under the enhanced scrutiny? Underwood's time at Michigan will be the judge of that.