Rising Star: Bryce Underwood's Meteoric Debut
In an unprecedented move for the Michigan Wolverines, true freshman Bryce Underwood has been named the starting quarterback for the 2025 college football season. The 17-year-old from Belleville, Michigan, who was the consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, has already made waves with his debut performance. Against New Mexico on August 30, Underwood completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to Marlin Klein, helping secure a 34-17 victory for Michigan.
Coach Sherrone Moore announced Underwood as the team's QB1, emphasizing that the young player earned the position through hard work and skill. 'He's earned the opportunity. It was not given to him,' Moore stated, highlighting the competitive nature of the quarterback battle. Underwood's agility, command on the field, and ability to make deep throws have impressed teammates and coaches alike, setting high expectations for his future games.
High Praise and Comparisons to Greats
Underwood's early performances have drawn significant attention from analysts and coaches. FOX analyst Joel Klatt praised the freshman’s poise and downfield passing, calling it a 'major upgrade' at quarterback for Michigan. Klatt also noted Underwood's readiness to lead the team to new heights, stating, 'He's not afraid to take Michigan to the next level.'
Defensive line coach Lou Esposito echoed this sentiment, describing Underwood as a 'generational' talent. This kind of praise is reminiscent of comparisons to Trevor Lawrence, one of college football's most celebrated quarterbacks. Such high expectations underscore the growing lore around Underwood as he prepares for tougher challenges ahead, with many believing he could redefine Michigan's offensive strategy.
Facing the Oklahoma Test: A Defining Moment
The upcoming game against No. 18 Oklahoma on Saturday presents the first major test for Underwood and the No. 15 Wolverines. This road game in Norman will put the young quarterback's skills under intense scrutiny, especially in a hostile environment. Coach Moore offered advice to his freshman star, saying, 'It's noisy, but those fans aren't playing,' urging Underwood to focus on the game rather than external pressures.
Analysts like Joel Klatt have cautioned about the challenges of a first road start, noting, 'We should be more aware of QBs making their first start on the road.' Despite these concerns, there is optimism surrounding Underwood's ability to handle pressure, given his composure in earlier games. This matchup against Oklahoma, featuring another emerging quarterback in John Mateer, will be a critical moment for Underwood to prove his mettle on a national stage.