There have been some concerns raised by the Michigan Wolverines' fanbase regarding their field general, Bryce Underwood. This comes more after the recent spring game that took place at Ann Arbor. 

Former Michigan quarterback, David Cone, appeared on the 'Michigan Podcast and Crain and Cone' on April 29. He reassured fans not to worry about Underwood’s subpar performance in the spring game held on April 18. 

“That does not need to be foreshadowing for the fall. Most of the growth comes from summer camp and then fall camp. That's where Bryce Underwood is going to have a lot of time to grow still. So I'm not panicking on this,” Cone said on the podcast. 

Bryce Underwood played for the Wolverines in his true freshman season, when most players redshirt have the option of sitting back and using that time to develop.  

He threw for 2,428 yards and 17 total touchdowns, with a 60.3 % completion rate. However, he also threw for nine interceptions in 13 appearances he made for the Wolverines.

Underwood’s issues of footwork and mechanics were evident in the spring game, which were highlighted by Cone.

“I talked with a lot of coaches around the country, the way that most of them still do is these periods are often times scripted and not just for the offense but also for the defense,” Cone further added on the podcast. 

There is plenty of time between now and the start of the season for Bryce Underwood to improve his game. With Whittingham and a designated quarterbacks coach on board, it will enable Underwood overcome his issues before the upcoming season. 

Cone Highlights Underwood's Strength As QB

Underwood entered the Big House after having one of the highest-ever composite rankings of any recruit. He received Michigan High School Football Player of the Year honors twice in 2023 and 2024.

David Cone, who was recruited by Lloyd Carr (true freshman Tommy Carr’s grandfather), spoke about Underwood’s greatest ability. 

“No one throws a better fastball than Bryce Underwood. The arm strength is clearly there. He could have played at this level from an arm strength perspective as a 16-year-old,” Cone said. 

Underwood will enter the 2026 season as the starter for the maize and blue. His QB coach, Koy Detmer, has a plan on how he wants to use him. 

“Totally. We want to utilize our quarterback skill set and put him in positions to be the most successful he can be, and with Bryce, there is an element of running that he does really well,” Detmer said.

Apart from the arm strength, Underwood is also known to be a dual-threat quarterback. Detmer plans on using his rushing skills to escape the pocket and integrate it into his game plan for the upcoming season.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Rishab Nandi