ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- One of the hypebeasts of fall camp in 2026 is wide receiver JJ Buchanan, the sophomore who followed the Utah coaching staff to Ann Arbor. Reports out of training camp are that Buchanan is borderline unguardable, reeling in 50-50 balls as if he's the only one the ball is near on any given play.
But why has the second-year player out of Utah so good at reeling in jump balls? He says that it relies heavily on his relationship with quarterback Bryce Underwood, and the rapport they've built over the offseason.
"I've said it before, I just feel like the quarterback is throwing to me," Buchanan said. "If someone is giving something to you, you're not going to let someone come and take it. For me, he's throwing it to me. Why am I not going to catch
it? That's just how I look at it every time the ball is in the air."
As far as his own ability, Buchanan says that he works 'most days' on myriad aspects of being able to come down with contested catches, with an emphasis on both his hands and his body position.
But Buchanan is also excited for Underwood to show what he's capable of. The sophomore quarterback has been under fire all offseason, especially after a dismal showing in the annual spring game. However, that consternation is contained mostly to pundits and fans, as Buchanan and the Michigan football team are quite enthused about what the former five-star brings to the table.
"Man, I just think his work ethic is unmatched," Buchanan said. "He's always trying to throw extra. He looks a lot better, a lot more calm in the pocket, like he's been saying. He just looks super sharp, and I'm excited for a couple weeks."
Overall, with his offensive coordinator in Salt Lake City, Jason Beck, having come to Ann Arbor, and with the talent in the room, along with the quarterback, Buchanan feels like the pass game is about to take a big step forward compared to expectations.
"Yeah, super appealing," Buchanan said. "I think the passing game is in for a big season, which, like you said, is something Michigan football isn't really used to. But, yeah, man, it's exciting. It's exciting. I can't wait for September 5th."
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: JJ Buchanan says Bryce Underwood, Michigan pass game are ready
