Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s freshman campaign had its ups and downs, but there’s reason to believe his sophomore season could be something special. The biggest reason? New offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
Beck brings nearly two decades of offensive coaching experience to Ann Arbor, and his track record with quarterbacks suggests he might be exactly what Underwood needs to take the next step. From Virginia to Syracuse, and more recently at New Mexico and Utah, Beck has consistently helped his QBs grow - not just statistically, but in terms of poise, decision-making, and overall command of the offense.
Beck’s Blueprint: Turning Potential into Production
Let’s start with Beck’s time at Virginia, where he worked with Brennan Armstrong. In 2021, Armstrong lit it up, throwing for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes - and that was on over 500 attempts.
That kind of volume and efficiency doesn’t happen by accident. Beck helped Armstrong develop into a quarterback who could make plays all over the field, and do it consistently.
Compare that to Underwood’s freshman numbers: 335 attempts, 60.3 percent completion rate, 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine picks. Not bad for a first year, but there’s clearly room to grow. With Beck in his ear, expect Underwood to tighten up his reads, improve his timing, and get more comfortable pushing the ball downfield.
And don’t sleep on the ground game. Armstrong added nine rushing touchdowns that season, showing Beck’s willingness to let his quarterbacks use their legs when the opportunity’s there. Underwood, who has some mobility of his own, could benefit from a similar approach - not as a run-first QB, but as a threat that defenses have to respect.
Syracuse: A Different Look, Same Results
Beck’s next stop was Syracuse, where he spent two seasons with the Orange and took over as offensive coordinator in 2023. That year, quarterback Garrett Shrader didn’t put up eye-popping numbers - 1,686 yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions on just 214 attempts - but the offense still found ways to move the ball. Shrader’s vision and decision-making took noticeable steps forward, even if his passing volume was limited due to injury.
What really stood out, though, was how Beck used Shrader on the ground. He ran the ball 113 times for 469 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s another example of Beck tailoring his offense to his quarterback’s strengths - something Michigan fans should be excited about heading into 2026.
The Dampier Development: A Case Study in Growth
Perhaps the best example of Beck’s impact comes from his work with Devon Dampier, who he coached at both New Mexico and Utah. In 2024 at New Mexico, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing just under 58 percent of his passes. Solid, but not spectacular.
Fast forward to 2025 at Utah, and the growth was undeniable. Dampier’s attempts dropped slightly to 334, but his efficiency spiked: 2,490 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. That’s a major leap in production and decision-making - exactly the kind of year-over-year jump Michigan hopes to see from Underwood.
Dampier’s rushing numbers also tell a story. He ran for over 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns at New Mexico, then followed that up with 835 yards and 10 scores at Utah. While Underwood likely won’t be asked to carry that kind of rushing load, the takeaway is clear: Beck knows how to design an offense that keeps defenses honest and gives his quarterback multiple ways to win.
What It Means for Michigan and Underwood
When you watch Beck’s offenses, there’s a rhythm to them. Quarterbacks look composed.
Receivers are in the right spots. The system doesn’t just rely on talent - it’s built to elevate it.
And that’s exactly what Underwood needs heading into his second year.
He’s already shown flashes of big-time potential. Now, with Beck guiding him, the pieces are in place for a breakout season. If history is any indication, Underwood’s best football is still ahead of him - and Michigan’s offense could be in for a serious jump in 2026.