Michigan football has a really high ceiling heading into the 2026 season and Bryce Underwood is the guy who can help the Wolverines reach it.
The former No. 1 overall quarterback in the 2025 class was solid as a freshman. His development didn't go quite as expected, meaning he didn't improve as much as the season went on as Michigan football fans expected, but Underwood still won nine games. He also averaged 216 total yards per game and completed over 60 percent of his passes.
Underwood did have some struggles. But, considering he was a true freshman, thrown into the fire in a less-than-ideal situation, he was fine. Better than people give him credit for being.
Looking ahead to this season, with an offensive coordinator who will better utilize his talents, especially as a runner, which was probably more about Sherrone Moore than anything, Underwood should be dangerous. Letting Underwood use his legs more will be a huge help, not only for the passing game, but also for the running game, too.
Bryce Underwood is ready to take a major step foward
Forcing the defense to account for the quarterback gives the offense an extra blocker. That's why running the quarterback can be so effective. Underwood doesn't need to run the ball 15 times a game, or like Oklahoma ran John Mateer last season.
More running will help. So will better development, and according to the Wolverine, citing sources close to the program, Underwood is starting to remind people of second-year J.J. McCarthy. Not because of talent, but how he's developing going into his sophomore season.
Remember, McCarthy won the job during the second game of the season, against Hawaii, when he made his first career start. That fall, though, in camp, McCarthy wasn't the clear-cut No. 1. It clicked at some point that fall. McCarthy won the job, Cade McNamara transferred and the rest is history.
McCarthy, of course, had the luxury of being a part-time player as a freshman. He was on the field in key moments. He had a touchdown pass and a fumble against MSU, as well as a dart to Roman Wilson in the Ohio State game that year.
Underwood didn't get that chance. Just imagine how McCarthy would have looked starting as a true freshman. He probably would have had moments like Underwood did.
Make no mistake, Kyle Whittingham wants to run the ball. He's going to play a similar style of ball to Jim Harbaugh. so it's not like Underwood has to do everything.
Bryce does need to show improvement. If this team is going to have a chance to beat teams like Indiana and Ohio State, he needs to play like an All-Big Ten quarterback, and based on what folks are hearing, that's more than just possible this season.
The ceiling, in the eyes of the coaches, is "high."
If Underwood can start reaching it this fall, watch out.
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