When someone says Michigan football, the first thought is usually Bryce Underwood; how can it not be with how much he is being paid to play for the Wolverines? When Underwood flipped his commitment to Michigan from LSU as the No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2025, it felt like all ways right with the world and the Wolverines were getting their offensive savior.
That kind of pressure on a true freshman, who was only 17 years old when he stepped on campus and 18 years old when he started for the Wolverines, is a lot. Underwood didn't perform to the level of expectations set on him, and he has had to hear about it all offseason.
Well, now with a new coaching staff and a year of experience under him, Underwood has something to prove this season, and former Michigan tight end Jake Butt agrees. Butt has been one who has defended Underwood quite a bit this offseason, and most recently, he gave his top five reasons why the sophomore gunslinger will have a breakout season in 2026.
1. Bryce Underwood's age
2. The system and Michigan coaching staff
3. Bryce Underwood's legs
4. Bryce Underwood is just talented
5. Kyle Whittingham's confidence in Bryce Underwood
. @Jbooty88's TOP 5 reasons why Bryce Underwood is going to have a breakout season. pic.twitter.com/ytPw8FQd4J
— THE BLUE PRINT (@TheBluePrintUM) August 3, 2026
Butt's reasons are good, but they could be even better if they were just re-ranked a little bit, which I am here to do. Underwood has the potential to have a breakout season, and these reasons, in this particular order, could be why.
5. Bryce Underwood is just talented
Butt was correct in the fact that Underwood is simply a very talented football player; he wouldn't have been the No. 1 overall prospect in his class if he wasn't. However, when it comes to this list, it is the least important to his potential breakout season.
Underwood's talent is the baseline for his career at Michigan, the building block for what is to come. He can't leave Michigan with the same level of talent as when he came in, and he will need to elevate that talent this season in order to break out.
4. Bryce Underwood's legs
Last season, Underwood only had 392 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Now, if you are wondering why I used the word 'only' in that sentence, it is because Underwood that is a very low number for a player who had over 600 rushing yards in his senior high school season. Granted, high school is different than college, but Underwood's legs are a major factor in his game.
Last season, Underwood just wasn't given the chance to run as much as he could have. No, he doesn't need to be on the run all the time, but if he has the ability to be an effective runner, let him loose a little more.
3. Kyle Whittingham's confidence in Bryce Underwood
This is something that is crucial for Underwood and his development. It is not like Sherrone Moore didn't have confidence in Underwood, but Whittngham has been adamant all offseason about his young quarterback.
Not only does Whittingham have confidence in his ability to play the position, but to the confidence that Michigan will be able to play to his strengths as a true dual-threat quarterback. Whittingham has the confidence that when Underwood is doing what he feels more comfortable in, he will succeed, and that is the key difference from 2025.
2. Bryce Underwood's age
This was the No. 1 reason for Butt, but it isn't the most important one in my opinion. Another year older is huge for any player, but especially a quarterback. Underwood was so young when he started at Michigan, hence why a lot of players don't typically start as a true freshman at quarterback
A year of experience is key, but a year of simply maturity is important as well for Underwood, who was unanimously voted as a captain this season.
1. The system and Michigan coaching staff
This is the biggest change for Underwood this season that could give him the best chance at a breakout season. Having a system and a coaching staff that will work to your strengths as a player makes all the difference in the world, and that is what Whittingham and his staff bring to Underwood.
Not only has Whittingham been adamant about playing to Underwood's strengths, but offensive coordinator Jason Beck has as well, and he'll be the one calling plays for his quarterback.
Bonus: The weapons surrounding Bryce Underwood
Butt only gave five reasons, but I believe there is one more that will really make a difference for Underwood this season and give him the best chance at a breakout, and that is the players around him. Underwood had running back Jordan Marshall, who broke through after Justice Haynes' injury, and wide receiver Andrew Marsh, a fellow freshman finding his footing.
Now, Underwood will have a year of experience with both guys, along with wide receiver transfer J.J. Buchanan and five-star freshman running back Savion Hiter, who bring a wealth of talent and a different look for Underwood.
All eyes will be on Underwood this season as he hoped to not just have a breakout for himself, but one for Michigan, who is three years removed from winning a National Championship. Michigan will open the season September 5 against Western Michigan.
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