There is no argument to be had about whether or not Bryce Underwood performed to the level of expectations last season. To be fair, everyone should have given the kid some slack, coming in as a true freshman, wth no weapons around him, and let's face it, a subpar coaching staff. Honestly, Underwood was set up to fail last season, and still helped Michigan win nine games.
It is year two now for Underwood, and it looks similar to year one: new weapons around him, a new coaching staff, but the key difference is the experience he has. With a year under his belt, Underwood will probably have high expectations thrust upon him again, but it seems he feels more comfortable, especially in the safe hands of offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
It was no surprise that Underwood was a big topic of conversation at Big Ten Media Days, constantly being asked about what this season would bring. You gotta give credit to the youngster, though; he handled it well, giving everyone some solid answers.
For Bryce Underwood, it’s not a matter of “if” he can turn the page — it’s “when.”
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) July 30, 2026
The addition of Kyle Whittingham has the @UMichFootball QB ready for the season ahead 💪 pic.twitter.com/bcjjJx0qgB
Even Bryce Underwood knows he didn't play his game last season but is ready to under Jason Beck
It is not easy to critique yourself, especially in a live interview that everyone is going to see, but Underwood even admitted that he didn't play up to his standards last season. When asked how he would grade his performance in 2025, Underwood gave himself a C+ to B grade, knowing not only was he dealing with tough times on the field, but also off the field with the situations surrounding the coaching staff.
Last season is in the books now, and the focus has to be on this year. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has hammered home the point that the offense is going to play to Underwood's strengths, and Beck will be tasked with making sure that happens.
Beck is going to play a very aggressive offense, according to Underwood, with the best 11 players out on the field. While he didn't go into much detail on what that type of aggressive offense will look like, Underwood didn't hesitate with his answer.
When it comes to offenses under Beck in the past, they tend to be very physical, very fast, and very run-heavy. Michigan has the guys to play to all those strengths, especially in the run game with Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter, but Underwood can play a role there too.
Underwood's rushing ability can never be counted out, but neither can his ability to throw on the move consistently. So, if defenses have to keep guessing whether Underwood is actually running the ball or stepping out of the pocket to throw on the run, Michigan's offense will be tough to stop.
If that is the case, Underwood could be poised for a breakout season, but is that in terms of every quarterback in the nation or just compared to what he put out on the field last season? Michigan fans will be hoping it's the latter.
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