Bryce Underwood has been exactly what most of us expected he would be this season. The true freshman was thrown in the fire immediately, and he had to learn on the job. There's no question that the talent is there — Underwood is a five-star athlete for a reason.
At times, he has shown full command of the offense and tremendous upside as a passer. Other times, he looks like a true freshman that will do things that true freshmen do. But the experience that Underwood gets week-to-week is invaluable. And with the game on the line this past Saturday against Northwestern, he showed maturity and leadership beyond his years to lead the Wolverines to a 24-22 win.
Bryce Underwood had the best game of his career until 2 throws in the 4th quarter, but he didn't let that get to him. On the game-winning drive he made two HUGE 3rd down plays to keep the sticks moving (also, wow Andrew Marsh). Have to give him credit. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/0bbzEsKRvX
— Matt Burns (@Burnsy381) November 15, 2025
The numbers tell a positive story
Underwood's game was diagnosed by PFF.com and they had him going 5-of-6 for 71 yards with four first downs on drop-back throws that he was pressured. It's a major improvement over the previous two games where Underwood was 5-of-16 for 38 yards in the same situation.
The Michigan offense isn't one that a first-year quarterback is going to put up a lot of gaudy stats. J.J. McCarthy never threw for more than 22 touchdowns in a season as a Wolverine, but he was a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft because he knew how to lead an offense and win football games.
Underwood is 3-0 in one-score games this year. He's had great moments as a passer this season, like when he completed over 77 percent of his throws and threw two touchdowns against Washington. Other times, he's had to use his legs more, like when he ran for 61 yards and a touchdown in a road win over Nebraska.
Having intrusive thoughts about how highly-regarded Bryce Underwood would be if he was draft eligible.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 20, 2025
Still very young, but has unnatural arm strength, clean mechanics both in-structure and off-platform, *and* he can run like this at 6’4”, 228 pounds.
pic.twitter.com/vs6OLqMG68
It's time to finish strong
With the Wolverines sitting at 18th in the CFP rankings, the path to get into the playoffs is very difficult, but that doesn't mean these next two weeks aren't important. Michigan has Maryland on the road this week and Ohio comes in the Big House on November 29th.
These are crucial games for Underwood to show how far he's come this season and to continue his ascension into what Michigan fans hope will be at least two more seasons of high-level quarterback play.