By Dorrington Myers
The Bryce Underwood Era
The Michigan program is entering a new era with five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the heavy favorite to take over the reins before the 2025 season concludes in Ann Arbor. Underwood is considered one of the most highly touted prospects ever to commit to Michigan. The question is: how will the Wolverine offense look with him under center? Follow me as I break down what fans can expect to see.
Bryce Underwood: Chosen One
In Belleville, MI, Underwood put his skills on display every time he stepped on the field, showcasing elite arm talent, dual-threat ability, and a high football IQ. Physically, he already passes the eye test for pro scouts, standing 6’4″ and weighing 215 pounds. NFL teams will undoubtedly line up to see what Underwood can do when his time comes. Could we be witnessing the second coming of Texas Longhorn legend Vince Young?
Skills Breakdown:
• Elite Arm Strength: Underwood can make every throw on the field, including deep passes with precision and excellent velocity.
• Mobility: He extends plays and poses a legitimate threat in the run game, making the offense multi-dimensional.
• Football IQ: He is adept at reading defenses and making quick decisions under pressure.
If Michigan allows Underwood to flourish, they could transform their traditionally run-heavy scheme into a balanced attack—something that’s been missing for quite some time. New OC Chip Lindsey should help with that too.
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First practice highlights
A New-Look Offense
Explosive Passing Game
The Michigan blueprint has long been run-centric, but with Underwood under center, that will shift. His ability to stretch the field vertically will open up new possibilities for the offense.
What to Expect:
• Vertical Passing Concepts: Look for Michigan to stretch defenses, forcing secondaries into mistakes.
• Play-Action: Underwood’s presence will make play-action an integral part of the game plan, complementing the already strong run game.
• Throws Outside the Numbers: Expect more deep and intermediate passes, taking advantage of weak secondary play.
RPO and Spread Concepts
Underwood’s dual-threat ability will make spread concepts more effective, adding a new wrinkle to Michigan’s offense. While the run game will remain the foundation, Underwood’s skill set allows for:
• Quick Hitters: Wide receivers can exploit space with quick routes.
• Designed QB Runs and Read Options: These plays will keep defenses honest, forcing them to make quick decisions.
• Tempo: Look for Michigan to utilize an up-tempo approach to take over the Big Ten.
Supporting Cast
With the quarterback position seemingly solidified, attention now turns to the skill players who will work alongside Underwood.
Receivers: Peyton O’Leary, Semaj Morgan, Frederick Moore, Kendrick Bell, Amorion Walker, Channing Goodwin, I’Marion Stewart, Donaven McCulley, Anthony Simpson, Jamar Browder, and Andrew Marsh.
Running Backs: Jordan Marshall, Justice Haynes, Benjamin Hall, Micah Ka’apana, Jasper Parker, and Donovan Johnson.
Offensive Line: Andrew Sprague, Evan Link, Blake Frazer, Andrew Babalola, Greg Crippen, Giovanni El-Hadi, Brady Norton, Nathan Efobi, Jake Guarnera, Ty Haywood, and Lawrence Hattar.
Big Ten Forecast with Underwood Under Center
Vs. Ohio State: One of the biggest questions surrounding the Buckeyes is their defensive line. Underwood’s mobility will allow the Wolverines to exploit any weaknesses upfront.
Vs. Penn State: Underwood’s imposing frame will make defenders think twice before challenging him. Like a modern-day Vince Young, he’ll be the key to Michigan’s offensive success.
Vs. Other Big Ten Teams: Underwood’s presence gives Michigan an elite quarterback who can elevate the offense. As we saw with Will Howard last season, quarterback production is critical.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite the hype, Underwood will face the same challenges all young quarterbacks encounter:
• Reading Complex Defenses: College defenses are ever-evolving, and Underwood will need to adjust quickly.
• Handling Pressure: Playing in the Big House comes with lofty expectations.
• Decision-Making: Every throw in college carries risks and rewards, requiring sound judgment.
• Winning the Starting Job: Underwood certainly has the highest ceiling of the Michigan quarterbacks, but he has not won the job yet and he may not even be the week one starter.
Final Remarks
The arrival of Bryce Underwood elevates Michigan’s program to new heights. His presence will give the offense multiple dimensions and put the Wolverines in a better position for a deep playoff run. With a deep roster at key positions, Michigan looks primed for success. The question now isn’t whether Underwood can lead the Wolverines—it’s how far he can take them.
