Former Los Angeles Rams safety and an Urban Meyer prized recruit at the University of Utah, Eric Weddle, went on a podcast and said Bryce Underwood cannot throw or play quarterback.

After a spring practice, Weddle claimed Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood cannot play the position due to poor accuracy and sloppy footwork. Fox Sports college football analyst RJ Young heard that and gave his take on it on the Adapt and Respond podcast on June 7.

"Such a washed, dumb statement. Playing the position of quarterback in our sport is not as difficult as playing in the NFL. I think that part has generally gone without saying, but I'm gonna say it again."

Underwood’s 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns show elite talent. Yet, his 9 interceptions and 60.3% completion rate give Weddle’s mechanical critiques some real weight.

Young's stance was clear. Underwood is only a sophomore learning a brand new offense under OC Jason Beck, and judging him this early is simply not fair.

Young then brought up Tom Brady, who helped recruit Underwood to Michigan.

"To say that Bryce Underwood is not good enough to lead a team to a national championship is to say that Tom Brady's belief in him is misplaced," Young said, "I don't wanna be on the other end of that one."

He also made the case for what Jason Beck's offense can do for Underwood. Beck turned Devon Dampier into one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country at New Mexico and then Utah, per On3.

"Have you seen what Jason Beck does with quarterbacks?" Young said. "Add that degree of creativity and play calling to Bryce Underwood's game after one year where he started as a true friggin' freshman, and he might be good."

Young's pushback lands in the middle of a growing debate about Underwood heading into 2026. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit has predicted a "massive jump" from him this season. HC Kyle Whittingham himself has compared Underwood to Cam Newton in terms of his physical tools.

Underwood Responded To Weddle’s Criticism

Weddle appeared on The Rich Eisen Show on June 3 and had a direct message for Underwood.

"This isn't going to be the first time someone says something negative about you," Weddle said, "Now go prove me wrong."

Underwood saw it all. Before any analyst had even weighed in, he posted on his Instagram Stories with a laughing emoji and the words "keep zzz," meaning keep sleeping on me. Quiet, but clear.

The upcoming season will settle all this.

What do you think about RJ Young's response to Eric Weddle? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi