What a rapid, deep decline it has been for Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood. Rated the number one overall recruit, regardless of position, in the high school class of 2025, expectations were sky high for this guy. With a massive NIL deal, and physical gifts that put him at an elite level, this preseason brought speculation that he could develop into the #1 overall pick in 2028.
And we admit, we fully bought into that Michigan mishegoss ourselves.
Here in midseason, it is looking like he won't be playing football anywhere, once his college eligibility expires. Halfway through the season, he actually has more interceptions than touchdown passes. That statistic and the phrase "NFL Draft prospect" do not go together.
After yet another dreadful performance, this time against a bad Penn State team, Underwood got the hook, replaced by Tommy Carr.
Lloyd Carr's grandson/CJ Carr's brother woke up the Wolverines' moribund offense and led them to victory. Kyle Whittingham hasn't named his starter yet, for next week's visit from #6 Indiana, but given the way the season has gone for the Wolverines, they need a spark.
UM was a very polarizing brand before the officials gave them that huge assist in the season opener against Western Michigan, but ever since that controversy the schadenfreude for Michigan misfortune seems to be growing by the week.
The choice is clear: give Carr the keys, and, as Rihanna would say, "shut up and drive."
As for Underwood, he's had a full season and a half on which he can be judged. However, a transfer and a nice reset, and who knows? Maybe he gets humbled by all of this, and then refocuses himself? If so, there is still time for him to try and become a player who one day eventually lives up to that hype.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: NFL Draft stock report- strong sell: Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan