October 25, 2025, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S: Michigan quarterback BRYCE UNDERWOOD 19 walks into the stadium before Michigan s 31-20 win over Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. East Lansing U.S - ZUMAm242 20251025_aap_m242_014 Copyright: xScottxMapesx

Aug 2, 2026, 11:40 AM CUT

“A lot I had to take on by myself”: Underwood opens up on not having a QB coach last season

Bryce Underwood was just 17 when he committed to the Michigan Wolverines. While he expected challenges and pressure, he never thought he’d deal with them alone without a QB coach.

“Honestly, it was a lot I had to take on by myself,” he said in an interview for Wood TV. “But it’s okay. So it really got me to understand what I need.”

The Wolverines went 9-4 last year, and the absence of a dedicated quarterback coach translated on the field. Underwood threw for an underwhelming 2,428 passing yards and scored 11 passing touchdowns.

September 20, 2025: Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood 19 is pulled down by the Nebraska defense, during the college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE. : /Sports South Media Lincoln United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250920_zma_c04_494 Copyright: xKevinxLangleyx

He also threw nine interceptions. The program’s new coach, Kyle Whittingham, promptly called out the lack of support for the quarterback first thing when he took over.

“First of all, Bryce was thrown into a pretty tough situation last fall,” Whittingham said on May 3. “A true freshman, 18 years old, starting quarterback, not only a P4 program, but Michigan. Also didn’t have a dedicated quarterback coach last year, from what I was told.”

In an episode of the Blue Print podcast, Whittingham defended his quarterback against the misplaced and slightly unfair criticism. Underwood, however, was silent about what he went through last year until now.

His freshman season had many lessons for Underwood, and he is walking into his sophomore year wiser with hard-earned clarity.

“So, I feel like I got everything I need,” he said on July 31.

While fans and critics were reeling from the anticlimactic season, Underwood made headlines by making a bold claim. Underwood said he wants to prove he’s the “best” player to come out of Michigan.

That comment landed in shallow waters, as his performance does not support the weight of his claim. More so when legends like Tom Brady and Charles Woodson walked the roads first.

The sentiments against Underwood might be unpopular, but they hold little value to his head coach.

Kyle Whittingham praises Bryce Underwood's confidence in his defense

On July 30, Trent Knoop of Michigan on SI reported head coach Kyle Whittingham’s reply in the chatter around Bryce Underwood’s comments.

“Yeah, I think you want your quarterback to be confident, and if that's his belief and feel, that's great,” Whittingham said during Big Ten Media Days. “I mean, I have no problem with that. It may be in his best interest, maybe not to put that pressure on himself in that way, but Bryce is a very confident young man.”

Underwood did secure nine wins last season under immense pressure and a coaching staff that failed him. With a new QB coach, Koy Detmer Jr, Underwood is expected to prove his unanimous No.1 rating wasn’t a fluke.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar