Michigan fans are buzzing about Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit who’s supposed to fix everything that went wrong with the Wolverines’ offense in 2024.
But here’s the thing: even the most talented freshman quarterback can’t succeed alone. One analyst thinks Michigan’s 2025 season depends on something fans might be overlooking.
What One Factor Will Determine Bryce Underwood’s Success at Michigan?
Bryce Underwood earned his status as the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, and he’s expected to see significant playing time as a true freshman at Michigan. The Wolverines desperately need him after their passing attack ranked near the bottom of all FBS teams in 2024.
However, despite Underwood’s obvious upside, 247Sports Michigan insider Sam Webb believes several factors will determine his success in his first season. The most important factor might surprise Michigan fans who are focused solely on their new quarterback.
On the “Cover 3 Podcast”, Webb explained that the first key to Underwood’s success is having a proven offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, something Michigan lacked on its staff in 2024.
“Now you head into this season,” Webb said. “I think it sets up much better when you have a freshman quarterback, and you’re coming into it with a veteran coordinator in Chip Lindsey who’s been down this road before.”
Webb makes a strong point about the coaching situation. Following its national title run, Michigan dealt with significant coaching turnover heading into the 2024 season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL, and the Wolverines promoted Sherrone Moore from within.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell had limited coaching experience, adding to the uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. This lack of experience showed in Michigan’s struggles to move the ball through the air.
This offseason changed everything for the Wolverines. Michigan brought in Chip Lindsey, a coach with over 15 years of college experience, to lead the offense. His arrival should be key to Underwood’s development during his freshman season.
What Does Underwood Need From Michigan Fans in 2025?
Beyond the coaching upgrade, Webb also explained that Michigan fans must be patient with Underwood. While he has the talent, the Wolverine faithful must let the young quarterback make the mistakes that all freshmen make.
“There’s this rush to anoint him. I think that not from a coaching perspective, but it can make you feel like he is ahead of a lot of where a lot of other freshmen would be,” Webb said. “And while he is from a physical perspective, there are certain steps that every freshman has to take.”
This patience will be crucial as Underwood adjusts to college football. Even the most physically gifted quarterbacks need time to learn the game’s mental aspects at this level.
These two factors will be crucial to Underwood’s success in 2025. Expectations for the young quarterback are through the roof, but with an experienced coordinator guiding him and fans willing to be patient through his growing pains, and he’ll have the support he needs to reach his full potential.
