Michigan football starting quarterback Bryce Underwood is a lightning rod. Some really like him, some really don't, and it's clear that Eric Weddle is in the latter, not the former, at least in how he views Underwood as a player.
Even earlier this week, sources around the Michigan program were talking about the high "ceiling" of Underwood and how he was progressing in a way that was similar to J.J. McCarthy.
Quarterback development isn't linear. It takes time. That's especially true for a kid who was 17 years old last spring, and was an 18-year-old, playing against guys much older. It's not an excuse. It cost Michigan games last season, but Underwood was much better than people give him credit for.
Some people, Weddle included, act like Underwood can't complete a pass, even though he completed 60 percent last season, and had five different games with at least 230 passing yards.
Even after a rough spring game, Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham remains sold, but Weddle, a former player, isn't, saying that he thinks Tommy Carr will eventually see the field this season for the Wolverines as the starter.
Former NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle recently went out to visit Michigan for their spring ball, due to his son being a 5 star safety in the class of 2028.
— Recruits CFB (@recruits_cfb) May 30, 2026
This was what he had to say about Wolverines QB1 Bryce Underwood on a recent podcast:
“Mark My Words…Don’t be surprised if the… pic.twitter.com/5MFlGgyCiC
“Mark My Words…Don’t be surprised if the backups are playing early. I don’t think Bryce Underwood can throw or play quarterback," Weddle told the Zero 2 Sixty Podcast.
Eric Weddle doesn't think Bryce Underwood can play
Weddle's son is a recruit in the 2028 class and was in Ann Arbor for a visit this spring. That's why Weddle got some behind-the-scenes-looks at Underwood.
There's no doubt that Carr turned heads this spring. He looks like the future starter, once Underwood's time with Michigan football is over. Maybe Carr will get a chance sooner than expected, but it seems way too early for a QB controversy to be stirred up.
You wonder what Whittingham thinks about it. Surely, the head coach can't appreciate one of his former pupils ripping his current starting quarterback, but it's fair to point out that Weddle is offering a bold take with limited information.
You can never say never when it comes to college football, but Weddle should know as well as anyone how effective Whittingham is as a head coach. Jason Beck is one of the best offensive minds in the sport and has had great success developing quarterbacks. Just look at Devon Dampier.
Dampier grew by leaps and bounds last season; the hope is that Underwood can do the same under Beck this season. Weddle may not believe it, but that's just one man's opinion.
Whittingham has another. We will see who is right.
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