Bryce Underwood Faces a Crucible Season at Michigan - and the Buckeyes Might Not Be the Ones Worried
Bryce Underwood arrived in Ann Arbor with a five-star label and the weight of a fanbase expecting fireworks. But heading into the 2026 season, the highly touted quarterback finds himself in an unfamiliar position - not just as the face of Michigan’s offense, but as a player many analysts don’t even rank among the top half of quarterbacks Ohio State will face this fall.
That’s the assessment from Cleveland-based analyst Stefan Krajisnik, who sized up the Buckeyes’ quarterback gauntlet for the upcoming season and placed Underwood behind a long list of names. According to Krajisnik, Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’ Arch Manning, USC’s Jayden Maiava, Indiana’s Josh Hoover, Maryland’s Malik Washington, Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea, and Illinois’ Katin Houser all pose greater threats to Matt Patricia’s defense than Michigan’s freshman signal-caller.
That’s a bold stance, especially considering Underwood’s pedigree. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in his class, a quarterback with a pro-ready frame, elite arm talent, and the kind of dual-threat ability that made him a nightmare for high school defenses. But the transition to college football is rarely seamless, and Underwood’s freshman campaign under then-head coach Sherrone Moore was a mixed bag.
He showed flashes - moments where the talent was undeniable. But consistency was elusive.
The numbers tell the story: 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions, along with 392 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. Solid production for a true freshman, especially in the Big Ten, but not the kind of breakout season many had envisioned for a player of his hype.
Now, the context has shifted. Moore is out.
In comes Kyle Whittingham, the longtime Utah head coach known for his discipline, defensive acumen, and player development. Alongside him is new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, a respected quarterback developer with a track record of maximizing talent.
Together, they’re tasked with unlocking Underwood’s full potential in a system he didn’t sign up for - but now must master.
And that’s where things get tricky. Underwood didn’t commit to Michigan to run Whittingham’s system.
He was recruited under a different vision, likely with a different scheme, and certainly with a different coaching staff. Yet here he is, expected to lead a revamped Wolverines offense with a fanbase (and boosters) that expect results - fast.
There’s no question about Underwood’s talent. He’s as close to a future pro as you’ll find in college football.
But this season will test more than just his arm strength or mobility - it’ll test his adaptability, his leadership, and his ability to thrive under pressure. Because make no mistake, the pressure is real.
Michigan’s 2025 season, coming off the high of their 2023 and 2024 College Football Playoff championship runs, was a letdown. The team won games, but the offense lacked the spark many hoped Underwood would bring. Whether that was due to coaching instability, scheme issues, or just the growing pains of a freshman quarterback, the result was the same: unmet expectations.
Now, Underwood is in a high-stakes situation. He’s playing in a system he didn’t sign up for, with a new coaching staff, and under the microscope of a national audience.
If he thrives, he cements himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country and a future first-round pick. If he stumbles, he risks losing not just his starting job, but also the momentum - and financial backing - that came with his arrival.
This isn’t just a developmental year. It’s a defining one.
So while some analysts may not see him as the biggest threat on Ohio State’s schedule, don’t count Underwood out. The tools are there.
The stage is set. And if he can find his rhythm in Whittingham and Beck’s offense, he might just remind everyone why he was the top prospect in the first place.
Because when Bryce Underwood is locked in, he’s not just a good quarterback - he’s a game-changer.