Kyle Whittingham gives full throated endorsement of Bryce Underwood saying expectations were 'too high' in 2025

Kyle Whittingham believes Bryce Underwood is the kind of quarterback you can win big with in this era of college football.

The former five-star quarterback, who was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class, wasn't always outstanding as a freshman. There were ups, such as the games against Washington and Wisconsin, as well as some downs.

Even within the Northwestern game, there were great moments, bad moments, and a game-winning drive. Underwood played like a freshman. Whittingham, in his first Big Ten Media Days as Michigan football head coach, defended Underwood, saying that expectations were "too high."

Still, Underwood was able to help the Wolverines win nine games. He accounted for 16 touchdowns, with an average of 218 passing yards per game. That's not setting the world on fire, but that's not terrible for an 18-year-old in a situation that wasn't the best.

Whittingham ensures it will be better. He talked about how important running the ball is. That will make Underwood's job easier. Underwood will also be used as a runner, but as Whittingham said, at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Underwood has all the tools, "everything you could want in a quarterback," The Michigan head coach said Thursday.

Kyle Whittingham believes completely in the ability of Bryce Underwood

It's up to Whittingham and his staff to help Underwood reach that potential. The head coach said offensive coordinator Jason Beck is very pleased with the progress of Underwood. Whittingham also said the spring game wasn't indicative of Underwood's progress so far this offseason.

Obviously, if Michigan football is going to take a step forward this season, Underwood needs to take a big step forward. Beyond his play on the field, his maturity level is different.

Underwood said in a recent interview that one of his goals for the 2026 season was to be the best leader possible. Echoing that, Whittingham said that Underwood was an overwhelming choice from the players to be a team captain. "It wasn't even close," according to Michigan's first-year head coach.

Whittingham also said something else that should make Michigan football fans feel good about Underwood this season. The Michigan head coach said he wants to be great as much as any player he's ever been around and is putting in the work to make it happen.

Underwood needs to make those words come true. However, it's not just about Bryce, and that's something Whttingham understands. Michigan needs to put him in a position to succeed, and too often, that didn't happen last season.

Whittingham is also right about Underwood's freshman season. It has been judged too harshly, and there is every reason to believe Underwood will be successful, just as Whittingham said he would be.

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