Flipping from LSU to Michigan created buzz nationally. Is Bryce Underwood destined to be Michigan’s starting quarterback his freshman campaign? Here’s a look at Underwood’s path to Michigan and outlook for 2025.
Each offseason we roll out spring previews detailing key players on Michigan’s roster for the upcoming season. In all of the years of writing these articles, there’s never been one about a player like this — true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
The story so far
Underwood played high school football about 20 minutes east of the University of Michigan at Belleville High School. Underwood was the No. 1 player in the 2025 class and No. 1 quarterback and was once destined to play college football for LSU . Underwood was committed to LSU for over 300 days but would wind up flipping to Michigan in November in what is undoubtedly the most shocking and newsworthy flip of the NIL era.
Underwood’s high school career was prolific with 11,488 passing yards and 152 passing touchdowns. Underwood also showed a penchant for running and put up big numbers in that area as well, with 1,431 rushing yards and 27 rushing scores.
Underwood has benefited from being an early enrollee and being with the Michigan program this entire offseason. Underwood’s presence proved to be more valuable since veteran UNLV transfer Mikey Keene didn’t throw until the final days of spring practices, leading to Underwood playing the entire spring game.
Underwood’s stats in the spring game were not flashy by any means, but it was a nice first glimpse of the young QB. Underwood was 12-of-26 for 187 yards with one passing touchdown and one interception. Underwood also had an 88-yard flea-flicker touchdown pass to end the game with a 17-0 win for him and the Blue team. Underwood showed his arm strength, his running abilities, and also performed like someone who’s still 17 should. Underwood looked like a work in progress with loads of potential.
Outlook moving forward
Underwood, who stands 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, is the perceived favorite in Michigan’s quarterback competition over Mikey Keene, Jadyn Davis, and Chase Herbstreit.
Pete Nakos from On3 Sports reported in March that Underwood is on track to be Michigan’s QB1 in the season opener against New Mexico.
Now on the practice field, Underwood has looked the part,” Nakos said . “Sources have raved about his athleticism and arm strength. Throughout his recruitment, it was clear that the quarterback was the complete package and that’s lived up to the hype. As of now, Underwood is trending to start Week 1 as a true freshman.”
Michigan had inferior quarterback play in 2024, but they aren’t too far removed from having a QB1 who finished his career with a 27-1 record as a starter, culminating with a National Championship victory. Teammates see J.J. McCarthy-like potential for Underwood.
“We haven’t had a quarterback like that in a while,” Michigan defensive back Zeke Berry said, per Isaiah Hole of Wolverines Wire . “I’ll probably say since J.J. and I feel like having him out there and seeing what he can do, he’s going to change this offense for us.”