As the college football world gears up for the opening of the Transfer Portal on January 2nd, Michigan had one final opportunity to make a statement-not just to fans, but to the talented pool of players considering where to take their next snap. And make no mistake, the Wolverines are going to need reinforcements, particularly on offense.
This past season, that side of the ball lacked the firepower needed to compete at the highest level. At the center of Michigan’s future hopes?
Quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Underwood came to Ann Arbor with serious expectations. The top-ranked recruit in the nation, a local product with superstar potential, he was seen as the answer to Michigan’s long-standing quarterback puzzle.
But like many freshmen thrust into the spotlight, his first year was a mixed bag. There were flashes of brilliance-moments that reminded everyone why he was so highly touted-but also stretches where the offense sputtered.
Some of that falls on playcalling. Some of it on a receiving corps that simply didn’t offer enough help.
But as the Wolverines looked to close the season strong in the Citrus Bowl, all eyes were on Underwood to show what he could do when given the keys to the offense.
And Michigan didn’t hold back. Head coach Biff Poggi and the staff let Underwood air it out, dialing up a season-high 42 pass attempts. The idea was clear: give Underwood the stage, let him shine, and maybe-just maybe-catch the attention of elite wideouts in the Transfer Portal who might be looking for a new quarterback to trust.
But the results were uneven.
Underwood finished the day 23-of-42 for 199 yards and two touchdowns. That sounds serviceable on paper.
But the three interceptions he threw told a different story-one of a young quarterback still learning the speed and complexity of the college game. It was a performance that raised as many questions as it answered.
The arm talent is there. The poise is developing.
But the decision-making? That’s still a work in progress.
And for transfer wide receivers watching from afar-especially top-tier names like Cam Coleman or Nick Marsh-this game might not have been the recruiting pitch Michigan hoped for. These are players who’ve already been through the grind of playing with inconsistent quarterback play. They’re not looking to start over; they’re looking to win now.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom in Ann Arbor. Underwood has now logged a full season of experience, and that matters.
The mistakes he made this year are teachable. The upside is still there.
And with a new offensive staff expected to take over next season, there’s reason to believe Michigan’s offense could look very different in 2026.
But timing is everything. And with the Transfer Portal opening imminently, the Wolverines may have missed their best chance to convince elite pass-catchers to take a leap of faith.
Underwood might still become the quarterback who attracts top talent. He just might need a little more time-and a little more help-to get there.