Bryce Underwood enters his second season as Michigan Wolverines’ starting quarterback with former safety Eric Weddle warning that he could be benched soon. Now, head coach Kyle Whittingham has stated that the Wolverines aren't considering a change.

On The Rich Eisen Show, Whittingham backed Underwood and said the sophomore remains Michigan's starter after leading the Wolverines to a 9-4 overall record in 2025.

"Well, Bryce is our guy," Whittingham said. "To be fair, he was a barely turned 18-year-old true freshman last year and thrust into the situation that he was, and even though there's a lot of room for improvement, still won nine ballgames and put up some decent numbers. We believe in Bryce, and he's got all the tools in the toolbox."

Whittingham didn't stop there. Later, on The Rich Eisen Show on YouTube yesterday, He again emphasized his belief in Underwood after outlining the quarterback's physical tools and offseason development.

"He's 6-4, 230, runs like crazy, has a big arm. We feel like he's got a big upside and has made a ton of progress so far in the offseason," Whittingham added. "Fall camp will be important for him, obviously, as it is for everybody, but Bryce is our guy."

Soon after, another endorsement followed, acknowledging his potential.

"He was impressive, but going into the season, Bryce Underwood is our guy," Whittingham further revealed.

The repeated endorsement comes after months of speculation surrounding Underwood's future following an inconsistent freshman campaign.

Despite leading Michigan to a 9-4 record, the quarterback finished with 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing just 60.3% of his passes.

Whittingham has said that Underwood went through last season without a dedicated quarterbacks coach. For 2026, Michigan has paired the prized quarterback with dedicated quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr.

Attention now shifts to how Underwood responds once camp begins.

Bryce Underwood says slowing the game down is his biggest offseason focus

Underwood has also acknowledged the need for improvement as he prepares for his second collegiate season.

During a July 27 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the quarterback explained that his biggest offseason focus has been slowing the game down after training with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

"Overall, just simplifying everything, making everything as simple as possible, easy as possible," Underwood said. "Overall, just making the game way easier, not doing too much, just being calm, relaxed in a pocket, just football."

He also admitted the biggest challenge heading into 2026 is becoming stronger mentally after relying primarily on his physical talent as a freshman.

"Well, the mechanics, footwork, pocket presence, decision-making, he's just tightening up his whole game," Whittingham said. "And that needs to continue.”

Underwood will join Whittingham, running back Jordan Marshall and defensive lineman Trey Pierce at Big Ten Media Days before Michigan opens fall camp on August 1.

Whittingham has consistently backed Underwood throughout the offseason and expects him to lead the offense this season. 

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote