Expectations in Ann Arbor might be modest on the national stage, but step inside Schembechler Hall and Michigan football is prepping for a title chase. The Wolverines are returning from an 8–5 season with wins over Ohio State and Alabama.
Despite many names from last year’s roster off to the NFL, Sherrone Moore has managed to build a new team. But the most intriguing aspect of this season is definitely the freshman Bryce Underwood, who is likely the starting quarterback. While the idea is a good one, not everybody is sold. And one veteran college football voice has pointed out issues with Moore’s roster.
CFB Insider Bruce Feldman Warns Bryce Underwood Could Face Uphill Battle Without “Elite Pieces” This Season
CFB Insider Bruce Feldman isn’t questioning Bryce Underwood’s talent. The freshman is, after all, coming in with two state championships, nearly 13,000 all-purpose yards in high school, and the No. 2 spot on ESPN’s “Freshmen to Watch” list. He’s got a cannon for an arm, quick feet, and the poise of a veteran.
However, Feldman on “The Rich Eisen Show” went on to say, “It’s going to be Bryce Underwood. You know, very talented. He does not have elite pieces around him… I don’t think it’s the caliber of the O-line that J.J. had when they were winning a national title.” It’s a fair point. The Wolverines’ offensive line is good, but not loaded with first-round locks.
When J.J. McCarthy played with the Wolverines, he had a great O-line backing him up. Wolverines’ offense was anchored by future NFL starters like All-Americans Olu Oluwatimi, Zak Zinter, Ryan Hayes, and Trevor Keegan, alongside tackles such as Andrew Stueber and Karsen Barnhart. This allowed McCarthy to end his collegiate era with 6,226 yards.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Underwood. The offensive line has size with freshmen like Ty Haywood, up 31 pounds to 316, and Andrew Babalola up 25 to 315, but that alone won’t suffice when playing teams like Ohio State. At receiver, Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley brings height and the No.1 jersey.
Interestingly, McCulley didn’t start out as a receiver. He was once a dual-threat quarterback at Indiana with 66 receptions for 834 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. Then there is freshman Jamar Browder, who decommitted from NC State and joined the Wolverines. Browder adds another 6-foot-5 frame, but neither is a battle-tested deep threat yet. Despite these additions, Feldman is concerned.
19 days away until the Bryce Underwood Era begins 😮💨👀 pic.twitter.com/dJIoJu9E0l
— Bo (@MaizeandBo) August 11, 2025
“The run game, they’ve added some transfers, but I just don’t think they have a lot of firepower around him receiver-wise,” Feldman said. Without a player like Blake Corum or a fully healthy Colston Loveland, the Wolverines’ past formula of grinding teams down and letting the QB improvise isn’t as airtight.
Interestingly, ESPN ranks theWolverines No. 5 in the preseason Big 10 Power rankings. However, that ranking rests on the assumption that the defence returns to Big Ten elite status and Underwood raises the ceiling of the passing game. Feldman agrees with ESPN and added, “I do think last year they were so bad on offense. You have a new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, and I imagine they will be better.”
The defensive line is stacked with 300-pounders like Rayshaun Benny and transfers Damon Payne Jr. from Alabama and Tre Williams from Clemson, while pass rushers Derrick Moore and TJ Guy have breakout potential. Still, without elite offensive playmakers, Underwood’s margin for error shrinks especially against the 2025 schedule.
“He’s a tireless worker… he wants to be great.”
A late-night text from @UMichFootball QB Bryce Underwood showed Sherrone Moore just how driven he is 👇#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/AcnheWQMhB
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 25, 2025
The Wolverines open with New Mexico before travelling to Oklahoma in Week 2. October brings back-to-back road trips to Nebraska and USC, while November ends with Northwestern at Wrigley Field, Maryland, and then comes the Game against Ohio State. There are no consecutive home games this season.
This means constant travel, quick turnarounds, and tough conditions for a rookie quarterback to thrive in. Underwood has competition from names like Jadyn Davis, Jake Garcia, and Mikey Keene. But there is no doubt that the Wolverines have their best chances with Underwood leading the team. After all, Underwood’s high school career at Belleville was an absurd one.
Underwood had a 50–4 record, 12,919 all-purpose yards, and 179 total touchdowns. He has a quick release, strong pocket footwork, and the ability to extend plays on the run. Feldman’s bottom line is that Underwood may have Heisman-calibre tools, but the climb will be steep without “elite pieces” in protection and at the skill spots.
