Eric Weddle is a former NFL All-Pro safety who played for Kyle Whittingham at Utah Utes. He visited the Michigan Wolverines' spring practice this year with his son, 2028 four-star recruit Gage Weddle. What he saw at practice did not impress him.

On the Zero 2 Sixty podcast, Weddle said what a lot of people were thinking, but nobody in Ann Arbor wanted to hear. He claimed that Bryce Underwood cannot throw or play quarterback. Days after, on the June 1 episode of The Coach JB Show, Weddle added some more clarity to his Underwood take.

"We’re talking about Michigan, and I thought the level of QB play was not what I expected from my standard of QB play. And then immediately, I was like, ‘Don’t be surprised if he gets benched,'"Weddle predicted about Underwood. "Hopefully, honestly, I would hope that he could care less about what people like me think. But if he does, go prove me wrong."

During the spring practice, Underwood connected on only three of nine pass attempts for 22 yards and absorbed two sacks. He watched all three of his drives stall without producing points.

It was a disappointing outing after Whittingham's earlier assessment that Underwood had made significant progress since his freshman season.

Weddle visited nine programs this spring. Michigan was one of the most impressive in facilities and resources. The quarterback play was the one thing that stood out for the wrong reasons.

"Out of all the nine places we visited, Michigan was probably one of the most impressive institutions, resources, facilities," Weddle said, "And then immediately I thought what stood out the most? The level of QB play was not what I expected from my standard."

He pointed to Devon Dampier as proof this was not personal. He criticized Dampier at Utah last year too.

Weddle's message to Underwood was simple. Prove him wrong. Given everything the new coaching staff has put in place since January, Underwood has every tool now to do exactly that.

What Underwood's 2025 Numbers Actually Show

Underwood threw for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 starts as a true freshman. He had 28 passes dropped behind him that season. Adjusted for drops, his completion rate goes from 60.3 percent to over 66 percent.

New offensive coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback coach Koy Detmer Jr. have been working with him on footwork and mechanics since January. The Sporting News ranked Underwood 23rd among all FBS quarterbacks heading into 2026.

Not just to prove Weddle wrong. But Underwood is stepping into the 2026 season with a big responsibility.

"The Michigan Wolverines trying to get back into the College Football Playoff," analyst Greg McElroy said on the Always College Football podcast. "However, the biggest question for Michigan this year is can Bryce Underwood make a sophomore leap under a new coach, new coordinator, and a completely new offensive system?"

The talent has never been in question for Underwood. However, for his sophomore season, he will have to refine his decision-making and efficiency.

What do you think about Weddle's comments on Bryce Underwood? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar