The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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62 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2025 I f it seems like Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is a bit guarded during interviews with media, it's because he probably is — and some of his skepticism is more than likely warranted. A five-star-plus prospect and the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, Under- wood has been in the spotlight since he was in eighth grade. His high-profile re- cruitment was heavily scrutinized from then until he flipped from LSU late last cycle — and since he's projected to start behind center as a true freshman this fall, he's often talked about on national and local shows and, of course, social media. The 6-foot-4 Belleville (Mich.) High product can't lie — he's seen some of the ridiculousness on social media. When asked for the "craziest" thing he's read about himself online while speaking with The Wolverine, Underwood laughed. "I'm fat," Underwood said, referring to (mostly anti-Michigan) fans running with the false notion that he added bad weight after there was a photo of him shirtless posted during the spring. Underwood has mostly laughed that — and other social media craziness — off. "I just got off of social media," Un- derwood said of his reaction. Underwood revealed to The Wolverine that he was up from 215 to 230 pounds and feeling more "explosive." He also agreed that his legs are an underrated aspect of his game, and they'll be uti- lized this fall. After all, Underwood rushed for more than 600 yards and 6 touchdowns as a senior in high school — all while completing 71.8 percent of his passes for 2,509 yards with 32 scores. "People think I'm not that athletic," Underwood said. "I don't know how." And then came the dry humor. "I'm fat, that's why," he said. While Michigan will try to avoid get- ting Underwood hit, he can sustain some blows considering his big frame, recently added strength and tremen- dous athletic ability. "I think he can take some," sopho- more running back Jordan Marshall said. "They won't let him get hit, though." Added Marshall, with a laugh: "I think he's a little soft for that. But other than that, he's all right." In seriousness, he noted that Under- wood is "bigger than me," noting that he can run and remain healthy. GETTING 'MORE COMFORTABLE' Underwood's leadership has stood out to teammates and coaches. He's "mature beyond his years," they say. A 17-year-old — soon to be 18 in August, he has already started to galvanize the Wolverines, and that's important con- sidering he may start behind center in a hostile environment Sept. 6 at Okla- homa. His work ethic is also impressive, and he's put in a lot of time with his pass catchers this offseason. "During the offseason I've spent a lot of time together with all of my receivers," the Detroit native said. "We've all spent a lot of time together, getting the ball out to them, learning each other's timing, what kind of ball placement they like, and what's the best way for them to catch the ball. "They all surprised me with the work ethic they came with at 6 in the morn- ing, 5 in the morning or 8 at night. Even when they're not doing anything, we go to the field, build our timing, build our chemistry together. "I'm getting more comfortable with ev- erything — with the players, the coaches." Graduate student Donaven McCul- ley and junior Fredrick Moore have been two of the standout wide receivers heading into the 2025 season. "He's a great playmaker," Underwood said of McCulley, a 6-foot-5 Indiana transfer. "He makes the plays happen when you don't expect them to. Great playmaker, for sure. "Fred, same thing. He's a little speed- ster. Donaven will go up top, and Fred will go up top but just in a faster way." Oklahoma head coach and defensive play-caller Brent Venables — along with other DCs the Wolverines are scheduled to face in 2025 — will certainly throw a lot at Underwood, but Michigan's quar- terbacks are being prepared by going up against coordinator Wink Martindale. "It's crazy," sophomore Jadyn Davis said. "I don't think there are a lot of cov- erages that our quarterback room hasn't seen, just because of the things that Coach Wink does and the blitzes he brings. I think we're the first college program he's been with since leaving the NFL, so he brings all the tricks that he learned in his time as an NFL coach. I guess we're the victims of some of his calls." Underwood still has to earn the job, and fall camp will be the stage for that. He'll compete with Davis and two grad- uate transfers in Mikey Keene and Jake Garcia. But between being a four-year starter in high school, joining the pro- gram for bowl practices last December, being one of two quarterbacks to get practice reps in the spring and his re- lentless offseason work, including going against Martindale and Co., it's hard to say Underwood won't be ready when called upon. ❏ SAYFIE BLITZ ❱ CLAYTON SAYFIE Brushing Off Social Media Br yce Underwood, Michigan's presumptive QB1 as a freshman, revealed to The Wolverine at the Champions Circle Golf Classic that he was up from 215 to 230 pounds this summer and feeling more "explosive." PHOTO COURTESY EA SPORTS Staff writer Clayton Sayfie has covered Michigan athletics for The Wolverine since 2019. Contact him at Clayton.Sayfie @on3.com and follow him on X (Twitter) @CSayf23.