Bryce Underwood has taken a lot of hits this offseason, and I don't mean on the football field. The offseason always consists of a lot of talking heads sharing their opinions, and they bring on guests to their podcasts and shows to give their opinions as well.
For Michigan, Underwood has been a constant talking point this offseason, which is the burden of being a former five-star, No. 1 overall recruit. After his freshman season wasn't what he or anyone else expected it to be, the talking heads have been very vocal on what is expected from Underwood this season. One of the biggest names to say something was former Utah and NFL legend Eric Weddle.
Well, Underwood might have himself in hot water again, saying in a recent interview that he believes he is the best player to come out of Michigan. Granted, this is his opinion, as is everything else that has been said about Underwood to this point, but Michigan legends Jake Butt and Devin Gardner on "The Blue Print" podcast had some words of advice for the young Michigan gunslinger.
"I didn't like it obviously, just because like, just put your head in the dirt and work, period," Gardner said.
Bryce Underwood says he’s the best player to come out of Michigan. @Jbooty88 and @devingardnerXCI weigh in. pic.twitter.com/gHCijYHoN3
— THE BLUE PRINT (@TheBluePrintUM) July 7, 2026
It isn't excessive to treat 2026 as Bryce Underwood's 'prove it' year
When Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan, from then on, he was treated as the second coming in Ann Arbor. That is a lot of pressure for an incoming freshman, but that is the life of a five-star recruit. In his freshman season, though, Underwood didn't produce to the level everyone expected, which honestly isn't that surprising.
Looking at the offense around him, and the coaching staff he was under, Underwood wasn't given the best chance. Now, with Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck leading the way for the offense, and a few more weapons around him, this is now Underwood's 'prove it' season.
Underwood won't have too many excuses if he doesn't play up to the level that is expected of him this season. Will he win a Heisman Trophy? Honestly, probably not, and he may not even lead Michigan to a National Championship, but a College Football Playoff berth feels within reach with this team.
The defense is going to play up to the level it always had; now it is time for the offense to catch up. There has been a lot of talk about Underwood this season, and now he has to back up what he is saying. Gardner isn't wrong in saying that Underwood needs to just tune out the noise and work because that is the only way he is going to produce at the level expected of him.
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