Bryce Underwood Arrives: Michigan’s Freshman Phenom Makes His Debut
September 1, 2025
The 2025 number one overall recruit finally made his debut for the Maize and Blue on Saturday night against the New Mexico Lobos. I say “finally” because it was a long and winding road for both Bryce and the Michigan program to get here collectively. The Belleville, Michigan native spent most of his Senior high school season committed to LSU. After a rough 2024 season from the quarterback position at Michigan, fans took recruiting into their own hands, showing up each weekend during Bryce’s state playoff run each week and showing the love by packing every stadium he played in. Of course, it certainly helped when Michigan was able to offer a 4 year, $12.5 million deal to play at UofM. The deal not only makes Underwood the highest paid true freshman in NCAA history, but also ensured his commitment to the boys in blue this Fall.
Saturday was the most welcome sight. Filled once again with hope, that Michigan can return to the playoff and recapture some of the 2023 glory. The zip and arm talent was immediately evident. The ball effortlessly comes out of his hand at what appears to be 100 mph, he made a few beautiful touch completions and anticipatory throws that not even JJ could make. Michigan’s run game helped take the pressure off his debut and let him settle in and let the game come to him. With this game taking place less than two weeks after Underwood’s 18th birthday, that’s important. Perhaps the most impressive part of his night was his ability to keep his eyes down field. Despite being so young, despite being so athletic and heralded as a dual threat QB, he didn’t take off. The discipline it takes for a quarterback who knows he can run at any point but refuses to do so and still search for the open man is immeasurable and is a sign of great things to come.
Bryce Underwood’s final line
12/21 251 yds 1 td and a whole lot of hope
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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