Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood captured the headlines after an erratic performance in the Wolverines’ 41-27 loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Citrus Bowl last week. After accounting for two touchdowns and three interceptions in the game, Underwood was linked with an entrance into the transfer portal.
Despite Michigan hiring coach Kyle Whittingham, Underwood’s future at Michigan has been the subject of intense speculation after former coach Sherrone Moore was fired last month.
Bryce Underwood’s Future Addressed by Michigan H.C
During an appearance on the “Wake Up Bar Stool” show on Monday, Whittingham hinted that Underwood might remain in Ann Arbor despite the extensive links to the transfer portal.
“I think Bryce is in a good place right now, and I think we might be getting an announcement here pretty soon,” Whittingham said. “He seems to really enjoy his time here. Has enjoyed his time here, and he’s one of the team leaders.”
“He’s a young guy, but he’s one of the team leaders, obviously, by virtue of the position. So, he is a guy that we think is going to be a part of what we’re doing going forward. But you never know until it’s a done deal.”
In 13 games played as a freshman, Underwood led the Wolverines to a 9-4 record, while registering 2,428 passing yards, resulting in 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while adding 392 rushing yards, resulting in six touchdowns. According to PFSN, he had a College QB Impact grade of 78.1, which ranked him at No. 79 in the country.
Whittingham Builds Michigan’s Offense Around Underwood
After his appointment, Undewood was the first player that Whittingham met with to outline his offensive plans for the program. During his appearance on the “Wake Up Bar Stool” show, the new Michigan coach revealed the steps that he will take to make Underwood comfortable in his new offensive system.
“You gotta have a quarterback (that has) the ‘it’ factor. And Bryce has the ‘it’ factor, and along with a ton of talent, big, strong kids, 6-foot-4, 225-plus pounds and so his ceiling is very high,” Whittingham said.
“The offense we’re going to bring in here, I think, is going to suit him to a ‘T,’ and I think he’s going to really, really excel and have a great experience here.”
In addition, Whittingham appointed his former Utah Utes offensive coordinator Jason Beck in the same capacity at Michigan. Beck led the Utes to the fifth-highest total yards of offense per game in the country this season, compared to the Wolverines’ No. 59 ranking.
