He may not have taken a single in-game snap yet, but Michigan’s young quarterback Bryce Underwood is already making waves across the college football fan base.
Underwood was the 2023 Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year as a junior and led Belleville High School to a 13-1 record with three consecutive appearances in the Michigan Division 1 Championship. He will be the highest-paid player on this year’s Wolverines’ roster.
Unfortunately for his attitude, it appears the Michigan native has let the money go to his head before he has even stepped on the field in a game.
What Kind of Player Do Fans Think Bryce Underwood Will Be?
Underwood is a former five-star and No. 1 overall recruit from the 2025 recruiting cycle and is projected to win the starting job for the Wolverines in his first year.
However, the signal caller is making waves for more than just his play. According to USA Today, as the Big Ten Network took in practice in Ann Arbor, Underwood said he’s not just a typical freshman quarterback.
“[My goal is to] just to shock the world,” Underwood said to the Big Ten Network. “They’ve seen a lot of freshmen, but I feel like nobody has seen a freshman like me … I honestly am going to do whatever it takes to get my team to wherever they want to be, like winning a national championship, beating Ohio State, and many other things as well. So, however I can prepare my team like that, that’s what I am going to do.”
Many College Football analysts, such as RJ Young, pointed out that that while Underwood is a former No. 1 recruit, he still has not played yet.
“It also helps that you sign a deal that’s having you get paid $3 million a year to play quarterback,” Young said. “And he has yet to play quarterback, and he’s still getting paid … like a high-value quarterback whose demonstrated he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the sport.”
Plenty of college football fans have also chimed in on Underwood’s comment, with many saying his ego is indicative of how hard he will fall.
“Pride comes before the fall,” said one fan on X. “What makes this funny is he will be a bust,” another said. “Ego and a big mouth. Never ends well, said someone else.
pride comes before the fall
— Edward Gardiner (@EdwardGardiner1) August 23, 2025
What makes this funny is he will be a bust.
— Trooubles (@TrooublesG) August 23, 2025
Ego and a big mouth. Never ends well
— Joe (@ba_zooka_joe) August 23, 2025
Originally considered a lock to the LSU Tigers, Underwood was provided a deal by Michigan to change his mind and is now worth around $3 million in NIL money.
However, no matter how much he’s worth, fans still point to the importance of Underwood utilizing more humility.
“Not very humble,” said another fan on X. “Overrated. He will go 8-4,” someone else said. “The new [Shedeur] Shedeur,” said another.
Not very humble
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) August 23, 2025
The Wolverines are coming off an eight-win season and will have their 2025 season opener on Saturday, August 30, against New Mexico.
