Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood got served some humble pie as a true freshman quarterback in the Big Ten.
But in 2026, the former five-star recruit is ready to start punching back.
It will be helpful to have an offensive coordinator who is open to utilizing all of his talents. Underwood won't be restricted this season, not from using his legs, and you can bet this coaching staff won't go entire games without letting him throw the ball down the field.
It was clear that Underwood wasn't developing the way he needed to. There was a great game in the Michigan football win over Washington. There were also solid games against Wisconsin and Maryland, but rough performances against Ohio State, and Northwestern, despite a game-winning drive late.
Underwood was up and down, as expected with a freshman. He talked a big game before his first season as a starter, but didn't really meet that hype. That overshadows how good he was, though.
The kid completed 60 percent of his passes, averaged 216 total yards per game, and had 17 total touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. Yes, Underwood only threw 11 touchdowns, but Michigan quarterbacks, at least under Jim Harbaugh/Sherrone Moore didn't throw a ton of touchdowns, prefering instead to ram the ball into the end zone inside the 10.
Bryce Underwood has a chip on his shoulder going into 2026 Michigan football season
That didn't make a huge impact overall, but on a different team, it's not hard to see more touchdown passes. That's why, with a new offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, who did wonders with Devon Dampier at Utah, it's reasonable to assume he could work with Underwood, who, according to Jordan Marshall, has a "chip" on his shoulder.
Jordan Marshall says the offensive concepts this year fit how they want the team wants to play. Specifically for Bryce, who he says has a chip on his shoulder and he expects a big year from.
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) March 25, 2026
“He’s gonna win the Heisman someday, I still hold that to be true.” pic.twitter.com/tk2AbwXumD
“He’s gonna win the Heisman someday, I still hold that to be true," Marshall said via Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.
Any quarterback can be expected to take a leap during his second season. Bryce has the chance to do that and then some in an offensive system that will highlight his talents, along with wide receivers who are legit playmakers beyond Andrew Marsh.
The offensive line has been "transfmored" this spring, which should scare Big Ten teams, just as the thought of Bryce Underwood with a chip on his shoulder should.
He's got all the talent in the world, and if Michigan football can unlock that this season, the sky is the limit for the Wolverines.