Mark Ingram questions if Bryce Underwood can 'be the man' for Michigan

Michigan is hoping to have found its quarterback of the future in Five-Star-Plus+ prospect Bryce Underwood, who is set to begin his true freshman season for the Wolverines this fall. After struggling to find continuity at the position in 2024, there will be high expectations for him to succeed right this season away as the team’s expected QB1.

Given his blue-chip status, many expect him to experience success during his college career. During a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast, former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram questioned whether Underwood will be the guy for Michigan long-term.

“The fact of the matter is — is this hometown kid going to be the man?” Ingram asked his co-hosts. “If [Michigan] had a quarterback — we know what a quarterback can do [at Michigan]. They won seven games without a quarterback.”

Underwood is expected to take over an offense that helped lead the Wolverines to an 8-5 final record (seven wins in the regular season), which inlcuded consecutive wins over Ohio State, who would go on to win the national championship, in the regular season finale and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl to end the season.

On3’s Pete Nakos revealed that Underwood appears to be on track to start in Week 1 for Michigan this fall. However, Ingram’s co-host, Rob Stone, reminded everyone how the Michigan offense struggled in the passing game in 2024. Despite losing production in the running back room, the Wolverines have made some transfer portal additions and are hoping Underwood is the answer under center in Ann Arbor.

“131st-ranked offense [last season]. They got a new OC, Chip Lindsey, who comes in from North Carolina. They have some running backs that are gone, but Alabama transfer Justice Haynes is in the running back room as well. So yeah, I agree with you. There’s a lot of questions,” Stone said. “But guess what? That’s why you’re gambling, or betting on this in April.”

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore spoke highly of his new quarterback shortly after the Wolverines began spring practices. Moore said that Underwood has had to adjust to things, but has done well overall saying he’s a hard worker and praised his competitiveness.

He still has an entire summer to hone his skills and perfect the Michigan offense ahead of the 2025 college fotoball season. The Wolverines will kick off its regular season at home against New Mexico on Aug. 30.