Bryce Underwood enters the 2026 season at Michigan with high expectations as he looks to build on a tumultuous freshman campaign. The former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class is also aiming to recover from last season’s struggles, especially against Ohio State, but his recent comments about “The Game” have drawn sharp criticism from Wolverine fans.
Bryce Underwood’s Michigan-Ohio State Comments Leave Wolverines Fans Disappointed
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham ignited debate during Big Ten Media Days after downplaying the role of hatred in the storied rivalry.
He revisited the topic on Monday, asking, “Do we have a better chance of winning if I hated them? I don’t understand. Whatever gives us the best chance to win, I’m all for it. I want to beat them worse than anybody.”
While Whittingham faced pushback for having a mild tone toward one of college football’s biggest rivalries, Underwood’s comment proved equally reserved.
“It’s just another game,” Underwood told NBC Sports’ John Fanta. “Just, we’re guys in a different color. That’s how I see it.”
As expected, Underwood’s remarks also didn’t sit well with the fanbase.
“Michigan is cooked. They better hire the Patriots A/V team quick,” one fan said.
Michigan is cooked. They better hire the Patriots A/V team quick.
— CDNLonghorn (@barnsdale2010) August 12, 2026
“Fake nonchalant gimmick kid should learn how to throw a forward pass,” said another user on X.
“Well then… it will be just another loss for you guys. Seriously, this is the issue when you recruit dumb — you surround yourselves with lovers!” another fan said.
In Underwood’s first appearance for the rivalry game last season, he was held to just 63 passing yards in Michigan’s 27-9 loss to Ohio State. The Wolverines managed only 163 total yards. The Buckeyes’ victory in Ann Arbor snapped Michigan’s four-game winning streak in the series.
With the Buckeyes now seeking back-to-back wins over Michigan, the Wolverines will try to reclaim control of the rivalry. That is why fans expected Underwood to display fire heading into year two. Instead, his relaxed mindset left many concerned.
“Not gonna lie.. This kind of energy doesn’t seem like winning energy,” one said.
Not gonna lie.. This kind of energy doesnt seem like winning energy
— Hoosier Hardwood (@hoosierHWood) August 11, 2026
“Y’all getting belt this year,” a fan said.
“I would accept this answer in many games around CFB; this is not one of them,” said another user.
Underwood enters his sophomore season as Michigan’s starting quarterback after throwing for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 2025.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s offense posted a PFN CFB Offense Impact Score of 81.8, ranking 28th nationally, meaning leading the offense and delivering a stronger performance against Ohio State will be major challenges for Underwood.
However, Underwood has never lacked self-belief, as the former five-star quarterback made it clear during his youth football camp in Saline on June 20 that his ambitions extend far beyond just navigating the Big Ten slate.
