Even the 5-star No. 1 QB of 2025 is just like the rest of us when it comes to celebrating Mom on Mother’s Day. The 17-year-old Bryce Underwood—arguably the most anticipated freshman QB in college football—showed he’s still grounded in something deeper. The Michigan Wolverines’ $12 million man has been racking up headlines for months. Some peg him as the next face of Michigan football, a player too dynamic and polished to sit on the bench even for a snap. There’s already a growing belief among fans and insiders alike that fall camp won’t just be a test for Bryce—it’ll be a coronation.
But this weekend, the spotlight shifted ever so briefly from the hype to the heart. In a quiet, sincere moment that said more about his values than any stat line ever could, Bryce Underwood took to Instagram to post a tribute to his mother, Beverly Underwood. The story was short but powerful, reading simply, “happy mothers day to the greatest.” The gesture might’ve been understated, but it landed heavy. Bryce has already set himself apart with a maturity that shows up both on and off the field.
One of his early NIL deals came with Feldman Chevrolet of Highland, and while the buzz centered on Bryce picking up a 2025 Tahoe RST—a $70,000 ride fit for a star-in-waiting—the real heart of the story came in a follow-up video. Feldman didn’t just hook up the phenom. Bryce’s parents were also gifted brand-new vehicles. In that now-viral clip, his father, Jaquan Underwood, is seen climbing into a shiny new Chevrolet Silverado High Country, smiling like he just got called up to the big leagues himself.
Michigan football signee Bryce Underwood looks on during national signing day at Belleville High School in Belleville on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
Still, the big question lingers: Will Bryce Underwood start Week 1? The buzz says yes. He’s not only been participating in team activities since bowl season, but he’s also generating “rave reviews” from teammates and coaches alike, per inside reports. The Wolverines aren’t lacking talent in their QB room with Mikey Keene, Davis Warren, and Jadyn Davis in the mix. But the sheer upside Bryce Underwood offers might just be too enticing for new OC Chip Lindsey to ignore.
As 247Sports recently put it, “If Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene hadn’t missed spring practice with an injury, perhaps new Wolverines offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey would feel more comfortable going with a veteran in the opener as opposed to a wet-behind-the-ears true freshman.” That caveat is everything.
Keene’s absence left the door wide open, and Bryce didn’t just walk through it—he broke it off the hinges during the spring game. His tight-window throws and escapability when protection broke down drew gasps, not grumbles. Sure, he’s technically inexperienced. But Bryce isn’t your average true freshman. He plays like a junior and moves like a Madden glitch. That’s why 247Sports already ranks him No. 8 among Big Ten QBs—before he’s even thrown a collegiate pass. Whether he earns QB1 honors in August or waits a few weeks into the season, Bryce Underwood’s trajectory seems all but inevitable. Or does it?
Why Michigan might pump the brakes on Bryce Underwood starting week 1
Bryce Underwood has all the tools—size, IQ, arm strength, and that five-star swagger—but just because he can start Week 1 for Michigan doesn’t mean he will. While 247Sports believes he’s the guy from the jump, Athlon Sports isn’t quite ready to crown him yet.
Yes, Underwood’s Blue team did cruise to a 17-0 win in the Spring Game, and fans got a sneak peek at what the future of the Wolverines’ offense might look like. But let’s pump the brakes just a bit. As Athlon notes, that tape showed both “his strengths and weaknesses as a freshman signal caller.”
Ball protection is one concern. Sure, he’s a tall, well-built passer with great instincts, but during the Spring Game, he “lofted multiple passes up for grabs that may have been interceptions in regular season game action.” That’s a big ol’ red flag. He’s got to learn how to place deep balls where only his guy can catch it—or risk turning the ball over.
The youth factor. “Underwood is fresh out of high school,” and as any QB will tell you, the jump from high school defenses to Big Ten chaos is no joke. And don’t sleep on Keene. If he clicks with UM’s wideouts and shows he can move the offense efficiently? Bryce might start his career learning from the sidelines.
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