Bryce Underwood doesn't let the noise affect him. Former NFL legend Eric Weddle went to the Zero 2 Sixty podcast, where he had some choice words for the Michigan Wolverines quarterback.

Speaking candidly stated that he doesn’t believe Underwood “can throw or play quarterback.” Underwood has now finally responded to that criticism. Addressing the media during a youth football camp in Saline, this is what he said.

"I’m not putting no energy towards one person at all," said Underwood on June 20 as reported by All About Ann Arbor, the project by WDIV Local 4. " I want to prove to myself that I am what I think I am. I feel like I’m the best player ever to come out of Michigan. Because I worked for it."

The answer is clear, and Underwood doesn't want to waste his energy responding to his detractor. This is why he ignored Weddle's media criticism at the media meet, as per All About Ann Arbor. Underwood made 2,428 yards last year and had 11 touchdowns.

Coming out of Belleville High School, Underwood came in with a lot of promise. He is a two-time Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year (2023, 2024)and 2× MHSAA Division 1 state champion.

However, Underwood did not live up to the expectations in 2025. He appeared more like a typical freshman in Michigan's 24-13 defeat to Oklahoma, struggling under pressure and finishing 9 of 24 for 142 yards. That marked a sharp drop from Week 1, when he completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a score in a 34-17 victory.

So, Underwood wants to live up to the reputation he has built with his work.

Meanwhile, Weddle has defended his claims that his remark doesn't stem from any personal bias.

Eric Weddle challenges Michigan quarterback to ‘prove him wrong'

Weddle has maintained his stance following his remarks. In fact, he has issued a straight-up challenge to Underwood. He went to the Rich Eisen Show after his comment went viral, and this is what he said.

"Can he play? Is he talented? Yes. Is he a freak of nature? Yeah," Weddle said on the June 3 episode of the podcast. "Like no one's denying that I'm not. I'm not naive to that, but I do know what high-level championship quarterback play looks like. It's just my opinion is I don't think you can at this point. Now go prove me wrong."

Weddle's assessment comes after seeing Michigan play. He, along with his son Gaige (2028 prospect), visited nine schools. Based on his evaluation, Underwood can't play up to a national championship. He further stated bluntly that Michigan had the worst quarterback play of them all.

Underwood comes with a hefty, multi-million-dollar NIL package. When he came in, he made a lot of bold statements like "I feel like nobody has seen a freshman like me."

For now, his focus is on the September 5th game against Western Michigan. That will be his first test for the 2026 season.

Underwood is undaunted and showing his conviction for the task already. Do you think he will be able to answer his critics? Let us know through your comments.

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar