When Bryce Underwood got to Michigan, he was inevitable -- the golden child destined to lead the Wolverines back to the promised land. Underwood was rated the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2025 out of Belleville, Michigan, fewer than 20 miles from Michigan's campus. He was a transcendent talent, rated a top 10 player before his sophomore season and leading his high school to a pair of state championships.
After a lengthy commitment to LSU, Underwood was famously offered a massive NIL contract to flip to his hometown program, funded in part by billionaire Larry Ellison. He was viewed as a game-changing addition, a return to form for Michigan one year after the Wolverines won the national championship. But after a stunning 13-12 performance against Western Michigan that required a controversial Hail Mary with one second remaining, Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham was hesitant to back his quarterback.
By his telling, the starting quarterback spot could quickly open if things don't improve. "There were comments about that?" Underwood said. It's cool." There's a reason Underwood was taken aback by his starting job being in jeopardy: He's never faced real pressure before as a national figure.
And now, heading into a monumental matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma, it's time for Underwood to deliver. Underwood had flashes during his first season in Ann Arbor, but his production was lackluster for a highly-rated player. The freshman completed barely 60% of his passes.
In three games against ranked opponents, Underwood completed 47% of his passes for 4.8 yards per attempt. The Wolverines lost all three by double-digits. A new offense brought in by Whittingham and first-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck was built to maximize his dual-threat ability.
Instead, the Western Michigan game marked one of the worst games of Underwood's career. On the first scripted drive of the game, Underwood was five-of-five for 61 yards before rushing for a touchdown. He added 47 yards on the controversial game-winning Hail Mary with one second remaining.
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