When the 2025 college football season begins, it’s all but a foregone conclusion that Michigan’s starting quarterback will be freshman Bryce Underwood. The former No. 1 recruit in the nation has all the tools to be as good as anyone at the position in the country.
One analyst even compared him to Trevor Lawrence. It’s a lofty projection, but he admits Underwood will have to avoid mistakes to keep the starting role as a freshman.
Bryce Underwood Draws Trevor Lawrence Comp, But Needs to Avoid Mistakes
Bryce Undeerwood has all the talent in the world. He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, garnering offers from some of the top programs in the country. After flipping his commitment from LSU to Michigan, he looks to be the Wolverines’ starter in 2025.
While Underwood’s talent is no secret, Michigan insider Isaiah Hole said on the “Crain and Company” podcast that people don’t fully grasp how special he is, even comparing him to former Clemson star and No. 1 overall pick Lawrence.
“A lot of people don’t recognize exactly how good Bryce is,” Hole said. “You talk to the people in the recruiting world, he is a Trevor Lawrence talent.”
It’s a significant comparison for a player who hasn’t even played a snap of college football, but Hole isn’t wrong about Underwood’s raw talent.
At 6’4″, 208 pounds, Underwood has prototypical quarterback size. He has a rocket arm, throwing for 5,838 yards and 76 touchdowns in his last two seasons at Belleville High School.Â
#1 Recruit Bryce Underwood highlights.
Michigan’s starting QB next year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2RUxfg9dBZ
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 1, 2024
Underwood also brings athleticism to the position, rushing for over 600 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season.
While the young quarterback’s talent is undeniable, Hole explains that he will have to limit mistakes to be the Wolverines’ starter his freshman season, but as of today, it’s his job to lose.
“Yes, he’s going to have to limit the mistakes and things to that nature,” Hole said. He later added, “I definitely feel like it’s Bryce’s to lose.”
Read More: Sherrone Moore Reveals $3M Bryce Underwood’s Biggest Growth Area at Michigan
The jump from high school to Big Ten football is no easy task. Defenders are faster, throwing windows are tighter, and growing pains are inevitable for Underwood. Still, he did a good job protecting the football in high school, tossing just nine interceptions combined over his junior and senior seasons.
There doesn’t seem to be a scenario where Underwood isn’t named the starter as a freshman, and both the Michigan staff and fanbase should be willing to let him take his lumps early so he can develop into the quarterback he’s projected to become.
