Five-star QB Bryce Underwood is proving he’s more than hype. From midnight workouts to standout drills, the Michigan freshman is already emerging as a generational talent with generational drive:
If there were any concerns about five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood being a diva for the Michigan Wolverines , consider them squashed.
According to multiple sources in a CBS Sports report , Underwood is living up to the hype with generational competitiveness and work ethic. During winter practices, the 17-year-old was turning heads by winning drills — which combined strength, speed, agility and endurance — against defensive ends. And narrowly losing to veteran defensive end and presumptive 2025 team captain, T.J. Guy.
Furthermore, it is reportedly not uncommon to see Underwood working with receivers and pass catchers well after midnight and still being one of the first players in the building for 6 a.m. workouts, according to the report. This gym rat mentality is already translating to the football field as well, with Underwood frequently being the most accurate passer on the roster during throwing drills in the spring.
“He’s a unique and rare guy,” a source told CBS Sports.
“He’s been amazing,” another source said. “Awesome human being. Puts in a ton of work. Already commands a room, even with as young as he is. Has a goal to learn everybody’s name in the building and gives the janitor the same respect that he gives the head coach. As a leader, he just gets it.
“He reads the field really well, he gets the ball out, has a quick release and can deliver the ball on all three levels. That was stuff the quarterbacks struggled with last year. So to see him doing that stuff is very encouraging.”
Underwood came to Ann Arbor with hype that would exceed the president making a visit. Per 247Sports , Underwood is the second-highest rated recruit (trailing only Rashan Gary) and the highest-rated quarterback to ever commit to Michigan. But generational talent is nothing without a generational work ethic, and Underwood appears to possess both.
At this rate, it is hard to imagine any other quarterback starting under center in Week 1 for the Wolverines other than Underwood. Of course, there will be growing pains for a player who doesn’t turn 18 until Aug. 19, but Underwood is putting in the hours to shorten any learning curve as he tries to lead Michigan back to the College Football Playoff.