Bryce Underwood joined 13 other early enrollees at Michigan football bowl practice ahead of their Reliaquest Bowl matchup with Alabama.
The Michigan Wolverines made waves during the early signing period in December, inking 22 players in the Class of 2025. Among them, 13 early enrollees have joined the team in Tampa, practicing alongside their future teammates as Michigan prepares for its ReliaQuest Bowl showdown against Alabama on Tuesday (noon, ESPN).
At the heart of this Michigan football class is Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1-ranked quarterback and one of the most anticipated recruits in Michigan’s storied history. Underwood was in Tampa, participating in individual and team drills.
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Underwood Leads Early Enrollees at Bowl Practice for Michigan
It’s a moment brimming with promise and expectation. For Michigan, the future feels a little closer as incoming freshman Bryce Underwood steps onto the practice field. This isn’t just another highly-touted recruit; this is the nation’s No. 1 prospect, wearing maize and blue for the first time, with eyes firmly fixed on 2025.
To put it into perspective, last year’s incoming class for Michigan football featured 26 players, but only eight joined the Wolverines early for practices leading up to January’s Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff. Among them was quarterback Jadyn Davis, whose arrival sparked excitement. Yet, the buzz surrounding Underwood feels different. It’s louder, more electric—a reflection of his stature as the centerpiece of Michigan’s future.
Bryce Underwood working the pocket. pic.twitter.com/Nn2xz67Wyv
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) December 27, 2024
On Friday, the anticipation reached a crescendo as Underwood took the field in front of the media. The glimpse was brief—15 minutes of individual drills—but it was enough. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, the 17-year-old already looks the part of a Michigan quarterback. His arm strength, movement, and poise all hinted at a readiness that belies his age.
The whispers are growing louder: could Underwood compete for the starting job next season? His presence, his stature, and the way he interacts with teammates suggest he’s more than ready to try. For Michigan football, the future feels incredibly bright—and it’s already taking shape.
Underwood Begins Countdown to Michigan Debut in Viral Hype Video
Bryce Underwood’s arrival at Michigan is more than a recruiting success; it’s a story of anticipation and promise. The quarterback, whose mix of size, skill, and composure has made him the nation’s top recruit, is already embracing the Wolverines’ storied tradition. On Sunday, Underwood shared a video that captured his mindset, asking, “How many days until Aug. 29?” as he trained inside Michigan’s Al Glick Fieldhouse. With over one million views, the video showcases his strong arm and effortless mechanics—a statement of intent for the season ahead.
it is what it is. pic.twitter.com/S6j0IrsIyl
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) December 22, 2024
For Underwood, the decision to stay in Michigan wasn’t just about football. “Business is business,” he said, highlighting the opportunity to receive a world-class education and build a legacy in his home state. “There’s really nothing someone can show or say if they don’t know the full situation,” he added, signaling his unwavering commitment to the Wolverines’ vision.
Michigan’s quarterback room, however, remains a fluid landscape. Current starter Davis Warren led the Wolverines past Ohio State with a gutsy performance, but his hold on the position is far from guaranteed. Adding former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene—a veteran with nearly 3,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2021—adds further competition. For Michigan, the future isn’t just bright; it’s ready to take flight.
