Bryce Underwood’s Offseason Grind Signals Big Things Ahead for Michigan Football
It’s only February, but if you’re a Michigan football fan, there’s already reason to feel optimistic about what’s coming in 2026 - and a lot of that centers around one name: Bryce Underwood.
After a freshman season that had its fair share of growing pains, Underwood is stepping into the new year with a clean slate, a new coaching staff, and a renewed focus. And if his recent offseason work is any indication, he’s not wasting a second of the opportunity in front of him.
Over the weekend, Underwood was out in California training with Jordan Palmer, the former NFL quarterback turned elite quarterback consultant. Palmer’s QB Summit program has become a go-to destination for some of the NFL’s top signal-callers - think Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Trevor Lawrence.
That’s not just a list of good quarterbacks; those are franchise guys, MVP candidates, and Super Bowl contenders. In other words, Palmer knows how to help quarterbacks unlock the best version of themselves.
For Michigan, that’s exactly what they need from Underwood heading into 2026.
Last season, there were flashes - moments where Underwood’s raw talent and arm strength were on full display. But there were also stretches where the inconsistency showed, and it was clear that the development curve was still steep.
That’s not unusual for a freshman quarterback, especially one thrown into the spotlight early. But with a new coaching staff now in place and a more experienced roster around him, the expectations are shifting.
Michigan doesn’t just want Underwood to improve - they need him to lead.
That’s what makes this offseason work so important. Mechanics, footwork, timing - those are the details that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. And working with someone like Palmer, who’s built a reputation for refining those exact elements, is a strong sign that Underwood is serious about taking that next step.
The Wolverines have the pieces to contend. There’s depth on both sides of the ball, a bolstered offensive line, and a defense that can hold its own in the trenches.
But in today’s college football landscape, elite quarterback play is often the difference between being a good team and being a playoff team. If Underwood can elevate his game, Michigan has a real shot to be in the national conversation deep into the season.
It’s early, sure. But seeing your quarterback invest in this kind of high-level development - in February, no less - is exactly the kind of thing that gets a program excited.
Underwood isn’t just relying on talent. He’s putting in the work.
And if that work pays off, Michigan could be staring at something special in 2026.