With more reps and snaps this spring, Bryce Underwood has noticeably improved his game and earned praise from Kyle Whittingham.

According to MLive’s Aaron McMann, Michigan head coach Whittingham seems impressed by Underwood’s steady development and his growth through the first 13 spring practices.

“Yeah, it’s happening. I can’t imagine him, and him being Bryce facing a more sophisticated (defense) with his multiple looks, than what he’s getting this spring. That’s a good thing.”

As a freshman in 2025, Underwood struggled with consistency. Despite throwing for 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns, he also had 9 interceptions and frequent decision-making issues, falling short of expectations as the consensus No. 1 overall recruit. 

The Michigan HC further commented on the direction Underwood’s progress has taken, saying:

“Still a work in progress, as is the whole football team. But Bryce has definitely taken steps forward this spring, without question.”

Bryce Underwood had committed to LSU after a standout junior season at Belleville High School, where he threw for 3,329 yards, 44 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. After that, he finished his senior year by breaking two MHSAA state records for career passing and total touchdowns, and also won the 2024 Michigan Mr. Football Award.

But later, he flipped his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines in November 2024 to play for coach Sherrone Moore, influenced by strong recruiting efforts and an improved NIL offer from the program.

So, this spring, Underwood is focused on building off his 2025 season and pushing himself to take a step forward. Even then, there’s still plenty of work left for the budding QB.

Wolverines OC Has Plans For Bryce Underwood

While Whittingham has been happy about Underwood’s visible growth this spring, Offensive coordinator Jason Beckis has already been planning to make the sophomore quarterback far more dangerous with his legs. 

Back in March 2026, as reported by Aaron McMann of MLive, Beck discussed Underwood’s dual-threat ability, making it clear the staff plans to lean into that side of his game.

“Do what they do best. If they can run, it’s a weapon, and they’ll be fine. You do have to be smart about it. You don’t want to run your quarterback 25 times unless you’ve got a bye week or something to get him back, but it does seem to be part of Bryce’s skillset.”

Last season, Michigan took a cautious approach, rarely featuring designed runs for the freshman QB out of injury concern. The Michigan OC sees things differently, as he pointed to Underwood’s 392 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025 as proof of his potential.

Beck made his intentions clear for the upcoming games, saying:

“Now we’re obviously not live. We have a full season of live film of what he did as a runner, and he did a nice job. We’ll look to build on those, what he does well, and utilize those talents.”

At 6’4” and 228 pounds with real speed, Underwood’s potential may finally be unleashed in 2026.

Do you think Bryce Underwood can show better performance this season?

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi