Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood will return for his sophomore season, he introduced, giving first-year Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham a cornerstone round which to construct his debut roster.
Retaining Underwood was precedence No. 1 for Whittingham upon his arrival at Michigan. The firing of Sherrone Moore and workers turnover that occurred within the wake of the gorgeous ouster solid uncertainty over the prized former five-star recruit’s future. That Whittingham was capable of maintain Underwood in Ann Arbor is a significant early victory for the veteran coach and will assist him hit the bottom operating with a aggressive first 12 months within the Massive Ten.
Groups in the hunt for quarterback assist would have knocked down the doorways to land Underwood had he entered the switch portal, however his contract with Michigan might have factored in his choice to remain. Underwood signed a multi-year deal out of highschool that, per CBS Sports activities’ Chris Hummer, pays him greater than $2 million per season. His deal additionally comes with a big buyout that might have made a switch more difficult.
Whereas Underwood’s freshman season got here with various hiccups, together with his three-interception day within the Citrus Bowl loss to Texas final week, the Michigan quarterback additionally dazzled at occasions and displayed immense upside as a possible star within the making. He led the Wolverines to a 9-3 regular-season report, handed for two,428 yards and ran for six touchdowns with a show of dual-threat expertise.
Whittingham constructed an identification at Utah that revolved principally round protection, however the workers he brings with him to Michigan has the potential to show Underwood right into a stellar playmaker. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck is a shiny thoughts who produced statistical anomalies from his previous quarterbacks and most just lately developed Devon Dampier right into a dual-threat standout. His monitor report suggests he can flip Underwood right into a refined passer whereas using his legs to assemble a dynamic, yardage-eating assault.
If Underwood takes his anticipated step ahead as a sophomore, the Michigan offense in whole ought to profit and enhance upon its mediocre 2025 manufacturing. The Wolverines had been simply the 69th-highest-scoring group within the nation and ranked No. 107 in passing offense throughout his debut season.
Regardless of the entire upheaval contained in the Michigan program, retaining Underwood provides Michigan a shiny outlook for 2026 and past. With three years of eligibility remaining, the previous No. 1 general recruit has ample time to succeed in his ceiling. If he faucets into that potential this season, the Wolverines may contend for a School Soccer Playoff berth in Yr 1 of the Whittingham period. In any case, they had been successfully one win shy of incomes a spot within the bracket in 2025.
