With one of the largest, most vocal fanbases in the country, the team knows the expectations that come with wearing the Block M and putting on the winged helmet. While many are disappointed with the 4-2
start to the 2025 season, trotting out a true freshman quarterback comes with some growing pains. As was the case with Dylan Raiola at Nebraska and DJ Lagaway at Florida last season, raw talent does not automatically manifest into wins and hundreds of passing yards without learning and growing as a player.
For Bryce Underwood, the raw skill, untimed throws, rushing ability and decision-making are there, and while it is not perfect, the glimpses are a positive sign to come for the future of Michigan football.
While Underwood would like to have some throws back, he is growing and learning from his mistakes. But aside from all the things on the field, he is also growing as a leader off the field.
“Every week, I feel like I’m becoming a better leader,” Underwood told the media on Monday. “That’s one of my main goals going into each and every game. Just being more efficient in executing our play call.”
Underwood has needed to pick his head up in multiple situations already in his young career, and more notably, he has attempted to pick up his teammates when the Wolverines were trailing in both of their losses.
When he took a costly sack in the second quarter against USC and knocked Michigan out of field goal range, Underwood went to the sideline to compose himself and the offense. On the next drive, he led the Wolverines down the field and scored a touchdown to tie the game.
While the end result was a loss, these little moments are growth opportunities for the coaches to make note of, signaling the 18-year-old is maturing as part of a long-term plan.
“Those things will come,” head coach Sherrone Moore said. “(USC) was his sixth game. We’ll continue to help him and he’ll continue to push himself to make it better.”
Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey echoed Moore’s statements and provided additional context for Underwood’s growth.
“There’s a handful of plays in each game we all want back,” Lindsey said. “I don’t care if you’re him or you’re a four-year starter, whatever. I think I’m really pleased with the progress he’s made. From where he was when he got here to now, that’s a big jump. And the best thing about him is he wants to be really good and he’s always trying to improve and get better. You see him here all the time staying early and late trying to get extra film and stuff. So again, it’s just a maturation process of him getting more and more comfortable and being a first-year starter.”
Underwood has thrown for 1,210 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions in his first six games. He has a completion percentage of 59 percent and a QBR of 71.7, which is 34th in FBS. Between the ball control, ability to maneuver the pocket when it collapses and finding new receivers who were not starting against New Mexico, Underwood has done a lot to make those around him better and give Michigan opportunities to succeed.
While the wins have not all been there, the confidence Moore and the rest of the team have in Underwood is apparent. And that only helps Underwood grow as a player and leader.
“Just keeping our head up throughout the entire game,” Underwood said. “Trying to keep smiles on the guys’ faces so we can keep our heads on straight. Just know that we can execute every single play.
“…It’s blessed stress, that’s what my mom calls it. It might be stressful, but it comes from you being blessed and producing the way I have been.”
The Wolverines welcome the Washington Huskies on Saturday in a game that will have massive implications for both programs’ seasons. With just one conference loss, Michigan is not out of the race for the Big Ten title, but it will need to trust its quarterback to make the right decisions and lead the way.
