With six months to go before college football kicks off again, the buzz is already building - and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is right at the center of it. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit recently shared some early thoughts on the rising star, and let’s just say, he’s buying stock in the Underwood era in Ann Arbor.
Underwood, who enters this offseason with a fresh offensive system to learn, is expected to take a significant step forward. Herbstreit sees the change not as a hurdle, but as a launching pad.
“I think he’s going to have a massive jump, you would expect,” Herbstreit said during an appearance on Crain & Cone. That’s not just preseason optimism - it’s a belief rooted in what Underwood has already shown, even in the midst of growing pains.
Herbstreit pointed out that as an 18-year-old quarterback, Underwood was navigating an offense that often felt like two steps forward, one step back. The lack of reliable receivers didn’t help, making it tough to get a clean read on his full potential.
But now? With a full offseason ahead and a coaching staff that can tailor the system to his strengths, Herbstreit believes Underwood is primed to take off.
“They’re going to have an offseason to study him and where his sweet spot is - where he can really play well,” Herbstreit said.
That “sweet spot” is what Michigan fans should be watching for. Underwood has already flashed the tools - the arm talent, the poise, the athleticism - but what’s coming next could be something special if the Wolverines can build around him effectively.
Herbstreit also offered a glimpse into Underwood’s impact off the field, relaying some insight from his own son, Chase Herbstreit, who has gotten to know Underwood personally.
“My own son cannot say enough good things about him,” Herbstreit said. “Which tells me a lot about the way the locker room feels about him and his work ethic and his approach to his job. Which, I love.”
That kind of praise speaks volumes. It’s one thing to have the physical tools - it’s another to earn the respect of your teammates and show leadership early on. For a young quarterback stepping into the pressure cooker that is Michigan football, that’s not just encouraging - it’s essential.
There’s still plenty to be determined when it comes to Underwood’s future in maize and blue. But right now, the arrow is pointing up. If this offseason goes the way Herbstreit thinks it will, Michigan might not just have a talented quarterback - they might have a game-changer.