Bryce Underwood Reportedly 'Trending' Toward Being Michigan's QB1 for 2025 Season

Freshman Bryce Underwood is reportedly expected to be the Michigan Wolverines' starting quarterback next season.

According to Pete Nakos of On3, Underwood is "trending toward" winning the starting job after committing to Michigan in November.

Underwood, who is a 5-star prospect and 247Sports' No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025, initially committed to LSU before changing his mind and choosing Michigan.

On3's EJ Holland (h/t On3's Thomas Goldkamp) reported in November that Michigan was prepared to make Underwood a four-year, $10.5 million NIL offer in order to convince him to flip his commitment from LSU.

If that is indeed the deal that resulted in Underwood to join the Wolverines, it is understandable why Michigan may want to get an immediate return on its investment.

Two seasons ago, the Wolverines went undefeated and won their first national championship since 1997 under head coach Jim Harbaugh and with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.

However, Harbaugh left to take the Los Angeles Chargers' head coaching job after the season, and several of Michigan's top players entered the NFL draft, including McCarthy.

That left the program in a tough spot, and it naturally took a step backward, finishing 8-5 in the first season under head coach Sherrone Moore.

It is fair to say that poor quarterback play is the biggest thing that held the Wolverines back, as none of Davis Warren, Alex Orji or Jack Tuttle were able to establish themselves as the clear starter.

Warren, Orji and Tuttle combined to complete 61.8 percent of their passes for only 1,655 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Still, Michigan finished the season strong with a rivalry win over Ohio State and a bowl win over Alabama, giving it a ton of momentum entering the 2025 campaign.

With even average quarterback play last season, Michigan likely would have made the College Football Playoff, but it ranked 113th in FBS with 22.0 points per game, which was ultimately its undoing.

There may be some growing pains with Underwood as a true freshman, but his dual-threat ability is undeniable, and he represents a massive upgrade for Michigan under center.