Why Eric Weddle’s criticism of Michigan QB Bryce Underwood is misguided
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Former NFL All-Pro safety had a critical evaluation about Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood on a “Zero 2 Sixty” podcast this week.
“Mark my words, I was out there for spring ball,” Weddle said. “Don’t be surprised if the backup (is) playing early because that Underwood kid, I don’t think he could throw or play quarterback. So, we’ll see.”
Weddle’s comments don’t expand on why he thinks Underwood can’t throw or play quarterback. With that type of statement, an actual evaluation of his rationale would have been nice.
Underwood can playquarterback and can throw — whether he can do both consistently remains to be seen. Underwood made some incredible throws as a true freshman, showcasing stellar arm strength and pinpoint accuracy. However, he was inconsistent, and there were accuracy issues at times. Underwood threw for 2,428 yards in 2025 with 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 60.3% completion rate.
Weddle went on to say that he doesn’t understand “how the position is not being taught from the pocket.” While Underwood can become a better pocket passer, Michigan greatly benefited from his 393 rushing yards and nine scores last season.
Underwood is still just 18 years old and was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025. A verdict by anyone that he can’t throw or can’t play quarterback is premature, as is Weddle hinting that the “backup” could start “early.” While Michigan has a promising true freshman in Tommy Carr, who is currently slotted in as Underwood’s backup, Carr is 18 years old himself and has no collegiate experience yet and still needs to bulk up at 6-foor-4 and 185 pounds.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit doesn’t share the same thoughts about Underwood, with Herbstreit saying he expects a “massive jump” from Underwood in 2026. Kyle Whittingham, unlike Weddle, is a believer in Underwood’s abilities and has compared him to Cam Newton.
“As far as his charisma, his stature. Big dude, 6-4-plus, 240 pounds, live arm, great athlete. Flashes that smile a lot like Cam did,” Whittingham explained in March. “That’s probably the guy that comes to mind mostly. The quarterbacks we’ve had — haven’t quite had anybody of this skillset.”
What makes Weddle’s comments interesting is that he played for current Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham at Utah. Even if Weddle meant no malice with what he said about Underwood, his comments spread quickly on social media. Weddle’s opinion of Underwood is now on record, and the 2026 season will largely represent how wrong or right he is.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos