Bryce Underwood’s Michigan run has not played out the way plenty expected, and now the bigger question is what happens next.
The Wolverines have benched Underwood against Penn State and are planning to start Tommy Carr against Indiana, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. That does not automatically mean Underwood is headed for the transfer portal, but it’s enough to send the rumors into overdrive as the offseason approaches.
Underwood arrived in Ann Arbor after one of the wildest recruiting battles in recent memory, backed by a historic NIL package from Michigan that reportedly tops $10 million. Now, if he does decide to move on, the market around him should be fascinating because his college production has not matched the hype.
There’s also the simple reality that a fresh start could help both sides.
One obvious name to keep on the board is LSU. Underwood originally committed to the Tigers before Michigan’s NIL push flipped him, and with Lane Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, LSU could look at him as a reclamation project. The question is whether the Tigers would still want him over other transfer quarterbacks.
Underwood has already made his feelings about LSU pretty clear. In a May 2025 interview with “Kickin’ It With Dee,” via LSU Tigers on SI, he said: "It's nothing but love at LSU," Underwood noted in a May 2025, interview with "Kickin' It With Dee," via LSU Tigers on SI. "They gave a bunch of support.
"The atmosphere is insane. It was a crazy experience that I loved being around."
Miami belongs in the conversation too. The Hurricanes have made a habit of going after the top transfer quarterback on the market, and they’ve recently done it with Cam Ward and Darian Mensah. Whether Underwood still has enough appeal to land on Miami’s list is the open question.
Texas Tech is another program that makes sense. The Red Raiders looked like they had a quarterback answer in Brendan Sorsby before a gambling scandal blew that plan up, and they’re expected to be back in the portal hunt for a passer this offseason. For Underwood, Texas Tech offers Power Four status without the same level of pressure he dealt with at Michigan.
Georgia also fits as a possibility. The Bulldogs don’t have a clear answer behind Gunner Stockton after Kirby Smart believed Jared Curtis was the successor, only to see Vanderbilt flip Curtis late in the recruiting process. Underwood could slide into Georgia’s offense, which leans heavily on the run, but the program has not shown a willingness to get into a bidding war for a portal quarterback.
And if the biggest programs pass, Kentucky could emerge as the fallback option. Will Stein has previous familiarity with Underwood from Oregon’s recruitment of him, which gives the Wildcats a natural connection. Kentucky would likely need some help from the rest of the market to get there, but the fit is there if the other heavyweights bow out.
In Other News...
Michigans Offense Just Took A Turn Fans Need To Watch
Michigans offense got a fresh jolt on Sunday when the coaching staff settled on Tommy Carr as the starting quarterback, a move confirmed by sources and noticed by other coaches around the program. It gives the Wolverines a clearer direction under center at a time when every bit of stability matters, and it comes alongside a few other roster developments that could shape how the offense looks moving forward.
Jeremiah Earby, the former Boise State cornerback, is now officially on the Michigan roster and eligible to play right away, adding another experienced piece to the secondary. The future also got a little brighter when three-star receiver Yuto Kawamura-Johnson flipped his commitment from Toledo to Michigan for the 2027 class, a reminder that the staff is still working to build depth even as the focus shifts to the present. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Fans Just Got A Tough New Bryce Underwood Reality
The quarterback conversation around Michigan has taken another turn, and it comes with a familiar name weighing in. Urban Meyer said on Outkick that Tommy Carr has positioned himself to be the starting quarterback over Bryce Underwood, pointing to Carrs performance and the way his game fits a similar offensive style. It is the kind of evaluation that keeps the focus on fit as much as talent, especially with a player like Underwood already drawing attention.
Meyer also made it clear this is not a knock on Underwoods ability. He described the young quarterback as talented and engaged, while noting that his role in the offense still has to be sorted out. Meyer added that he stays in regular contact with Kyle Whittingham, a detail that only adds to the sense that this is a developing situation rather than a settled one. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Just Got A New Chance To Raid Marylands Defense
Marylands coaching change has already put a fresh layer of intrigue on Michigans recruiting plans, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Locksleys firing after a 2-5 start and a 12-game conference losing streak has opened the door for roster movement, and the Wolverines are positioned to keep a close eye on several names who could matter to their future. Zion Elee, Daniel Wingate and Eyan Thomas all sit in that mix, while Michigans own defensive needs make the situation especially relevant.
Kenaz Sullivan is another player worth tracking, particularly because Michigan had already been in contact with him before Locksley was let go. For a program that is still looking to bolster its defense, Marylands instability creates a familiar kind of recruiting opportunity: a chance to get in early, stay involved, and see whether the shuffle in College Park leads to a bigger opening down the line. [Read more 🡒]