Michigan football quarterback Bryce Underwood showed flashes as a true freshman starter last season, but ultimately struggled throughout most of 2025. However, recent reports suggest the former five-star quarterback could take a huge jump in 2026.
Underwood — the unanimous No. 1-ranked player of the 2025 class among recruiting industry leaders — passed for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions last season, rushing for 392 yards and six additional scores. First-year head coach Kyle Whittingham gives Underwood an “A-plus” so far during fall camp after Underwood experienced some struggles in the spring.
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REQUIRED READING: Bryce Underwood gets ‘A+’ grade in camp. Here’s why Michigan is hyped
“He’s coming along well,” Whittingham told the Big Ten Network. “He’s much further ahead than he was at the end of spring. He obviously worked hard this summer and did a lot of positive things getting himself ready in the film room, on the field and so far through six practices. I’d grade him an A-plus.”
Underwood disappointed in the Wolverines‘ spring game, completing 3 of 9 passes for 22 yards. However, the second-year quarterback spent time this summer with Michigan quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. and outside quarterbacks coach Jordan Palmer, which helped his development, according to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The Detroit native has been learning a new offense under offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who followed Whittingham from Utah to Michigan this offseason.
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“I feel like overall it’s more fulfilling for our team,” Underwood told Big Ten Network. “I feel like we’re using all of our talent that we have on the offensive side, and I feel like we’re gonna have all the best 11 players on the field at all times.”
The jury is still out on Underwood’s development heading into his sophomore season, as he still has to perform on the field. But perhaps he’s ready to take a jump this year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What grade did Bryce Underwood receive from Kyle Whittingham in Michigan fall camp?
