Bryce Underwood named Michigan's top newcomer by ESPN
The Michigan Wolverines remedied their quarterback position in a big way via the signing of Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall player in the country, last November. Now, augmenting the position with a blue-chip talent gives U-M a chance to vault itself back into contention.
ESPN’s Billy Tucker, using Michigan’s No. 20 ranking from Mark Schlabach’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, named Underwood one of the top newcomers on any roster in the country.
Whether it was via the transfer portal or recruiting ranks, last year’s quarterback situation needed fixing in a big way, he wrote.
“After taking a massive step back at quarterback in 2024 following J.J. McCarthy’s departure for the NFL, Michigan went all-in on the NIL front to flip Underwood from LSU,” Tucker said. “He arrives in Ann Arbor as the school’s most anticipated quarterback recruit since at least Drew Henson — if not ever — and is only the fourth five-star to end up at Michigan since 2006, per ESPN’s rankings. Underwood was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner in Michigan and won 50 games as a high schooler, totaling nearly 13,000 all-purpose yards and 179 touchdowns. Michigan desperately needs quarterback help after producing the No. 131 passing offense in 2024.”
There could be some growing pains, but Tucker compared what Michigan could ultimately get from Underwood to a former Clemson star and No. 1 overall selection.
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“Sherrone Moore brought in Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, but Underwood is clearly the long-term answer at quarterback, and he should win the job this season and improve steadily as it progresses,” he said. “The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder has exceptional arm talent to attack the intermediate and deep passing levels with enough mobility to extend plays and keep defenses honest. He’s great when making off-platform throws with instincts and an overall game that reminds us of Trevor Lawrence. Underwood didn’t light up spring ball, but he was solid in his first taste of college, especially considering he handled the workload with Keene sidelined because of injury. There will be growing pains, but Underwood should only get better with more time, especially if he can rely on a strong supporting cast while settling in early.”
Underwood was one of two healthy Michigan quarterbacks during spring football, along with sophomore Jadyn Davis. That should help accelerate his development and give him a leg up on the job.
Moore and company have been impressed with Underwood’s start in a Michigan uniform and think it is a sign of things to come.
“Nothing’s really surprised me,” Moore said after the spring game. “I kind of had a good beat on how it would be. The work ethic… he told me he’s a night owl. That’s true. I try to get him to sleep more because he’s in the building a lot. And he’s doing a lot to get better. But nothing’s surprised me in the way he carries himself and what he does. Just knowing his family, his mom and dad, Jay and Beverly, just an outstanding job raising a young man. And it’s been awesome to have him around.”
