Why Michigan QB Bryce Underwood’s Freshman Struggles Might Be the Setup for a Sophomore Surge
When Bryce Underwood committed to Michigan as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, the expectations were sky-high. And rightfully so - this was a quarterback who dominated the high school scene and had scouts buzzing about his arm talent, athleticism, and poise. But like so many young quarterbacks thrust into the spotlight, Year 1 didn’t quite match the hype.
Underwood’s freshman campaign was a mixed bag: 202 completions on 335 attempts, 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 392 yards and six scores on the ground across 88 carries.
Not bad by any stretch, but certainly not the instant superstar performance fans might’ve hoped for. Still, there's plenty of reason to believe that Underwood is just getting started - and history backs that up.
Let’s take a look at how three other top-ranked quarterback recruits fared between their freshman and sophomore seasons. The parallels are encouraging.
Trevor Lawrence: A Blueprint for Growth
Trevor Lawrence came into Clemson in 2018 with a similar level of hype - and he delivered early. As a freshman, Lawrence completed 65.2% of his throws for 3,280 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just four picks. That’s elite production, and he followed it up with an even better sophomore season: 3,665 yards, 36 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on a slightly improved 65.8% completion rate.
But where Lawrence really leveled up was on the ground. He went from 177 rushing yards and one touchdown as a freshman to 563 yards and nine scores the next year.
It wasn’t just about arm talent - it was about becoming a complete offensive threat. That kind of Year 2 leap is exactly what Michigan hopes to see from Underwood.
Quinn Ewers: A Delayed Start, But a Big Jump
Quinn Ewers’ path was a little different. He started at Ohio State but didn’t throw a single pass there as a true freshman.
It wasn’t until he transferred to Texas and played in 2022 that we got a real look at him. That season, Ewers completed just 58.1% of his passes for 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions - numbers that actually line up pretty closely with Underwood’s freshman stat line.
Then came the leap. In his second year as a starter, Ewers completed 69.0% of his passes for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and again, just six interceptions.
His rushing numbers improved too, going from -52 yards to 75 yards and five touchdowns. He went from inconsistent to confident, and by the end of his college career, he had led Texas to the College Football Playoff.
Ewers’ story is a reminder that development takes time - and that a rocky freshman season doesn’t mean the ceiling has lowered.
Arch Manning: Learning Before Leading
Arch Manning’s journey at Texas has been more of a slow burn. As the No. 1 recruit in 2023, he entered a crowded quarterback room and barely saw the field as a freshman - just five pass attempts for 30 yards.
In 2024, splitting time with Ewers, Manning finally got his chance. He completed 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they show growth, especially considering he had time to develop behind the scenes before becoming a starter.
Underwood, on the other hand, was thrown into the fire from Day 1. And while his numbers were more robust than Manning’s early on, the situations were very different.
Manning had time to ease in. Underwood had to learn on the fly.
Why 2026 Could Be the Year It All Clicks
Here’s the bottom line: Bryce Underwood’s freshman year wasn’t perfect, but it was promising. He showed flashes - moments where the arm strength, mobility, and instincts that made him the No. 1 recruit were on full display. What he lacked was consistency, and part of that falls on the environment around him.
Michigan’s offense in 2025 was still finding its identity. The coaching staff didn’t always put Underwood in the best positions to succeed, and the supporting cast was still developing. Now, with a new offensive coordinator and a dedicated quarterbacks coach in place, the infrastructure is finally there to help Underwood take that next step.
The tools are undeniable. The experience is building. And the support system is improving.
If history is any indication, Year 2 could be where Bryce Underwood starts turning potential into production - and where Michigan fans get a real taste of what their star quarterback is capable of.