Bryce Underwood proves he's Michigan's QB1 by beating Oklahoma

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The Michigan Wolverines plucked quarterback Bryce Underwood away from the LSU Tigers in November 2024, whose pledge stands as arguably the most high-profile in program history.

Underwood was ranked as the top quarterback and top player in his class and hit the ground running in Ann Arbor as the team’s starting quarterback from Day 1. Over a year later, he faced the most tense media atmosphere of his career on the heels of a controversial win over Western Michigan. Underwood’s Hail Mary against the Broncos did little, if anything, to change the narrative that he was destined to be replaced by the Wolverines heading into September 12’s game vs. Oklahoma.

Underwood and the Wolverines pulled out a 17-10 victory, beating the odds and restoring Kyle Whittingham’s confidence in him following his winning, albeit uneven, performance. It wasn’t a Heisman Trophy-caliber performance from the Belleville, Michigan native, but it offered proof that he is a worthy QB1 for Whittingham’s team.

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Bryce Underwood beats a top program at just 19

The Wolverines’ sophomore quarterback turned 19 in August and remains one of the youngest starting quarterbacks in college football — with expectations befitting a junior or senior player.He proved he could engineer a winning season in 2025, leading the Wolverines to a 9-4 mark in what was called a “malfunctioning organization” by interim former coach Biff Poggi.

He didn’t throw an interception or lose a fumble against the Sooners, who have one of college football’s most talented and aggressive defenses, which ranked seventh in total yards allowed in 2025. He also helped put more points on the board than John Mateer, a star and former Heisman candidate.

Underwood’s final stat line shows much room for improvement: 9-of-17 passing for 111 yards and no touchdowns, along with 18 rushes for 87 yards and one touchdown. They don’t take into account the moxie, confidence, and conviction it took to overcome being called out by everyone from Brian Kelly to his own head coach, Whittingham.

Bryce Underwood has new levels to reach for Michigan

Underwood unlocked his running ability against the Sooners the same way he did against the Nebraska Cornhuskers last season, a turning point in his freshman campaign. Underwood’s running ability adds a new dimension to offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s offense that will open up the field for the rest of his playmakers.

As he gets more comfortable in Beck’s offense, the playbook will also open up. Underwood is becoming a leader on the field, as evidenced by a failed read-option play against the Sooners when Savion Hiter grabbed a ball that Underwood wanted to keep. Instant replays showed Underwood had room to run. He shouted at Hiter as he took the ball from him, letting him know he made a mistake.

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