Why former Michigan football tight end expects Bryce Underwood 2026 breakout

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With the Michigan football team preparing for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on quarterback Bryce Underwood to see if he can improve after an up-and-down freshman season. As Underwood’s stock is rising with the Michigan football program, this former player is expecting a breakout season for the sophomore quarterback.

Subsequently, speaking on The Big Ten Network, former Wolverines tight end Jake Butt would go into why he believes Underwood is primed for a standout 2026, being the “most excited” about his running ability.

“And he just turned 19; let’s remember that. I mean, he was literally a kid last year. I’m putting myself in his shoes. He’s going to be buzzing, he’s going to be excited; he’s going to want to show the world how talented he is. But the challenge for Underwood will be: you don’t need to prove anything in week one. Can you go out there and do all the basics well? Your footwork, your reads,” Underwood said.

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“Can you protect the football? No turnovers. And then what I’m most excited to see is his legs,” Underwood continued. “[Jason] Beck said that he’s going to be heavily involved in this running game, which will be dominant across the board. But part of the reason, a lot of the reason he was a five-star is because he’s a phenomenal athlete. Can’t wait to see him running.”

Michigan football’s Bryce Underwood is a “completely different player”

Besides the talent Underwood possesses, his performance in the offseason was said to show him being a “completely different player,” according to Greg McElroy on “Always College Football.”

“Now camp closed just a couple days ago, and word out of the final scrimmage is that he looks like a completely different player. He’s climbing in the pocket. He’s not drifting onto his back foot like he did a year ago,” McElroy said.

Last season, Underwood threw for 2,428 yards to go along with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games, as he looks to lead the Michigan football program in Week 1 when the team takes on the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, Sept. 5.

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