Photo by Georgia McKay / The Michigan Daily
Bryce Underwood turned 18 this past August. By age alone, he reasonably could still be in high school.
Instead, he was asked to step in as a true freshman and start at quarterback, on the youngest team in the conference, inside a program that, in hindsight, was dealing with more instability than most realized.
Bryce was not quite ready to be Michigan’s starting quarterback this year, and that’s not a criticism. Playing college quarterback is hard, even for older, experienced players. Developmental timelines don’t accelerate just because injuries pile up and the depth chart collapses.
Statistically, his season, 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, was uneven. But the numbers don’t tell the full story. Bryce showed flashes of real promise, both as a runner and a thrower. More importantly, he gained experience that can serve as the foundation for future success, if Michigan handles what comes next correctly.
That responsibility now shifts squarely to the program.
First, accountability matters. One of the biggest differences strong programs maintain is a culture where nothing is handed out and everything is earned. Under Kyle Whittingham, Bryce will be expected to compete daily. It would not be surprising to see Michigan bring in an experienced quarterback to push the room. That kind of competition doesn’t stunt growth. It sharpens it.
Second, development is non-negotiable. Bryce’s throwing mechanics need refinement. Many of his interceptions came when his footwork and release broke down, especially under pressure. The encouraging part is that these issues are fixable. With eight months before Michigan opens next season against Western Michigan, there is ample time to rebuild his mechanics deliberately and correctly.
Finally, Bryce needs a scheme that plays to his strengths. This past season, Michigan’s offense often felt constricted. Receivers frequently operated in tight spaces, shrinking throwing windows unnecessarily. A quarterback with Bryce’s physical tools should be operating in an offense that creates space, simplifies reads, and allows playmakers to win.
I believe in Bryce Underwood. I believe his ceiling remains extremely high. But belief alone isn’t enough.
What Michigan owes him now is simple, but demanding: accountability, intentional development, and a scheme that allows his talent to breathe.
Handled correctly, this season won’t define Bryce Underwood. It will shape him.