Michigan enters the 2026 season with high hopes, but a new prediction has cast doubt on quarterback Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines.

According to Lucas Reimink of Sports Illustrated, Michigan faces one of the hardest schedules in college football under head coach Kyle Whittingham. Wolverines could face six preseason Top 25 teams, with Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State, and Indiana at home, and road trips to Oregon and Ohio State.

“This would involve Bryce Underwood struggling again this season and essentially being the same player we saw as a freshman,” Reimink wrote on Thursday. “Or even getting benched partway through the season if he's not adjusting well to the new offensive style.”

That prediction came as part of the Reimink's worst-case outlook, which forecast Michigan finishing 7-5 if the offense fails to improve, given last season's 9-4 record.

The biggest issue centers on how Underwood handles a new system under offensive coordinator Jason Beck.

As per Reimink, Michigan has a brighter path as well. Its best-case prediction is 11-1, while the most likely finish is 9-3. Reaching the higher end would require Underwood to take a major jump, and the defense to stay healthy throughout the season.

Michigan's schedule leaves little room for mistakes. Reimink predicted home games against Iowa and Penn State to be favorable, road trips to Oregon and Ohio State to be the toughest tests, and matchups with Oklahoma and Indiana to play a major role in shaping the season.

Those expectations come as Underwood takes on a bigger role both on and off the field.

Bryce Underwood Set for Bigger Leadership Role at Michigan

Michigan has picked Bryce Underwood to represent the program at Big Ten Media Days alongside running back Jordan Marshall and defensive tackle Trey Pierce. The group will appear in Chicago on July 30 before the new season begins.

The selection shows how much trust the coaching staff has placed in the sophomore quarterback. Underwood joins Marshall and Pierce as returning starters chosen to speak for the team.

“It’s important we get him playing to his potential,” Whittingham said earlier this week, as per Detroit Free Press. “He’s got a ton of it, I can tell you that right now. His toolbox is absolutely incredible with his size and strength, and speed. We’ve got to make sure we get him dialed in.”

Marshall returns after leading Michigan with 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season, while Pierce comes back after earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. Whereas Underwood completed last season with 2,428 yards and a 126.6 passer rating.

With expectations rising and Michigan facing one of the nation's toughest schedules, much of the Wolverines' outlook will depend on how quickly Underwood develops in his expanded role.

Do you think QB Bryce Underwood can perform better than last season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Rudra Dubey