Michigan‘s Bryce Underwood is making quite the entrance as he joins the Wolverines. The 2025 five-star+ signee, who is the consensus No. 1 overall recruit nationally, began practicing with the team on December 19. His journey took him to Tampa, Florida, for the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl, but it’s clear that Underwood is already becoming a key player off the field.
First Impressions Matter
Evidently, it hasn’t taken long for Underwood to stand out to his teammates. On Saturday, Michigan quarterback Davis Warren shared his thoughts on the young star.
“He’s been great,” Warren said. “He wants to learn, wants to get better. Obviously, the college game is different, and you got to adjust. There are a lot of things you have to do differently. I learned that coming in, me and JJ [McCarthy] working through a lot of those things together.”
Warren continued, “I know Bryce is going to have to do the same, but he’s coming with the right mindset and the right mentality. He is genuinely excited to be here every day and has a passion for getting better at football. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen out of him, and I know he’s going to keep doing that. He has great initiative.”
High Expectations for Underwood
It’s no surprise that Underwood is receiving rave reviews at Michigan. After all, he is the highest-rated signee for the program in nearly a decade. His commitment to the Wolverines has fans buzzing with excitement.
Underwood officially signed with Michigan in December, shocking many by flipping his commitment from LSU on November 21. He had been committed to the Tigers since January 6, but the Wolverines never gave up on him. They maintained contact until the very end, and it certainly helped that Underwood’s high school is just a short 30-minute drive from Michigan Stadium.
Moreover, Michigan reportedly offered Underwood a NIL deal exceeding $10.5 million, according to sources. This kind of investment shows just how much the program believes in his potential.
A Welcoming Environment
Davis Warren isn’t the only one praising Underwood after spending the past couple of weeks with him. Michigan’s interim offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Steve Casula, also had kind words to share.
“The biggest thing I would say about him is great spirit, great energy, committed to learning what we’ve got going on,” Casula said. “He’s doing really good. He’s great. Great personality. He’s funny.”
Casula noted, “I watch him, depending on the schedule; he walks by my office in the mornings. He’s one of the first guys in the building, so he’s been awesome.” This kind of dedication and enthusiasm is exactly what a program like Michigan needs.
Learning from the Sidelines
While Bryce Underwood won’t be on the field as Michigan squares off against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, he will have a valuable opportunity to learn from the sidelines. The Wolverines and the Crimson Tide will clash at noon ET on New Year’s Eve, with the game airing live on ESPN.
This experience will be crucial for Underwood as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career. Watching a high-stakes game against a powerhouse like Alabama will provide him with insights into the level of competition he will face in college football.
A Bright Future Ahead
With all the buzz surrounding Bryce Underwood, it’s easy to see why Michigan fans are excited about his future. His commitment to learning and improving, paired with the support from his teammates and coaches, sets the stage for a promising college career.
As the Wolverines prepare for their matchup against Alabama, Underwood’s presence on the team will undoubtedly contribute to the overall morale and energy. He is not just a talented player; he embodies the spirit and passion that college football is all about.
In a world where college football is filled with high-stakes moments and intense competition, having a player like Underwood on the roster is a game-changer. His journey is just beginning, and fans can’t wait to see how he will impact the Wolverines in the years to come.
So, as we look ahead to the ReliaQuest Bowl and beyond, one thing is clear: Michigan has a bright star in Bryce Underwood, and the future of Wolverines football is looking exceptionally promising.
