Michigan defender Bryce Underwood will return for a second season, he announcedgiving first-year Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham a cornerstone around which to build his debut lineup.
Underwood's retention was priority #1 for Whittingham upon arrival in Michigan. The release of Sherron Moore and the turnover that followed that stunning departure has created uncertainty about the future of the prized former five-star recruit. That Whittingham was able to keep Underwood in Ann Arbor is a major early win for the veteran coach and could help him hit the ground running and have a competitive first year in the Big Ten.
Teams looking for quarterback help would be knocking down the door to land Underwood if he entered the transfer portal, but his contract with Michigan may have influenced his decision to stay. Underwood signed a multi-year contract after graduating from high school this, according to Chris Hammer of CBS Sports, earns him more than $2 million per season. His deal also includes a significant buyout, which would make the transfer more difficult.
While Underwood's first season came with a number of hiccups, including three interceptions on the day he lost in the Citrus Bowl Texas The Michigan quarterback also stunned at times last week and showed tremendous upside as a potential star. He led the Wolverines to a 9–3 regular season record, passing for 2,428 yards and six touchdowns while demonstrating talent as a dual-threat player.
Whittingham built an identity in Utah it mostly revolved around defense, but the team he brings with him to Michigan could turn Underwood into a star playmaker. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck is a brilliant mind who has deduced statistical anomalies from his past quarterbacks and most recently developed Devon Dampier into a prominent dual threat position. His track record suggests he can turn Underwood into a refined passer while using his legs to build a dynamic, exciting attack.
If Underwood takes the expected step forward as a sophomore, Michigan's offense as a whole should benefit and improve upon its mediocre performance in 2025. The Wolverines were just the 69th-best team in the country and ranked 107th in passing attack in his rookie season.
Despite all the turmoil within the Michigan program, retaining Underwood gives Michigan a bright outlook for 2026 and beyond. With three years of eligibility remaining, the former No. 1 overall recruit has plenty of time to reach his ceiling. If he taps into that potential this season, the Wolverines could be in position to compete for a title. College football Playoff berth in the first year of the Whittingham era. After all, they were effectively one win shy of making the bracket in 2025.
