Michigan’s incoming quarterback prodigy, Bryce Underwood, didn’t waste any time making an impression on Wolverine nation.
The nation’s top-ranked QB recruit turned heads when he stepped onto the practice field ahead of Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Alabama. Fans were quick to comment on the impressive physical stature of the 17-year-old phenom.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 208 pounds, the 5-star recruit and No.1 player in the entire nation already looks like a force to be reckoned with as his first appearance raised eyebrows. He is now tipped to be the future of the program after a high-profile flip of commitment from LSU after a big-money NIL deal funded by the world’s second-richest man.
“This reminds me of what Cam Newton looked like as a freshman at UF,” one fan commented on X. Another added, “That’s a 17-year-old? Goodness.”
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Some were even more straightforward, with one saying, “This guy is a tree.”. The sight of Underwood standing next to junior QB Alex Orji prompted another X user to say, “Jesus, man. Dude looks GROWN. Never really noticed till now.”
Underwood officially signed with the Wolverines earlier in December and has already been seen giving high fives around the practice grounds to young fans. A video of him with the team also showed Underwood building a strong rapport with his coaches.
Although he isn’t yet listed on the team’s current depth chart, which already features six quarterbacks, Underwood took the field in full uniform and pads, seemingly taking reps. Seeing him next to the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Orji was enough to make jaws drop.
Orji may be a formidable figure, but he seemed to shrink in comparison to Underwood, creating a visual contrast that was hard to overlook. After an undefeated 2023 season culminating in a National Championship, Michigan stumbled with four losses.
The team is now looking to return to its winning ways with a worthy successor to J.J. McCarthy, who departed for the NFL in 2024 and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Michigan’s quarterback room is set to become even more packed.
Bryce Underwood impressed physically stood next to Alex Orji (
(Image: X [@Alejandro Zúñiga]))
Underwood’s arrival preceded the signing of Chase Herbstreit, son of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who also joined the program as an unranked recruit according to ESPN. However, it’s widely accepted that the job will be Underwood’s to lose given his much-anticipated entry into the program.
The five-star sensation from Belleville High School was the standout star of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, and his signing marked the successful efforts of quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy.
24/7 Sports ranked the recruitment class of 30 fresh athletes ninth in the nation, trailing behind powerhouse programs like Texas at No.1, followed by Alabama and Georgia. Underwood’s journey to becoming a Wolverine came after an intense recruiting battle against Michigan’s biggest rival, Ohio State.
He made several visits with the Buckeyes but ultimately chose to renounce his previous commitment to LSU to join the Wolverines, reportedly for a NIL deal from the Wolverines worth around $10 million.
His decision to continue his career in his home state has been well-received by the program’s dedicated fans and several key figures in the city. The Detroit Pistons have already welcomed the quarterback at one of their games, offering fans a glimpse of what’s in store for the newly minted local star.
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