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Even the most optimistic of Michigan Wolverines fans would likely admit that star quarterback Bryce Underwood didn’t live up to expectations in his freshman season. But now it appears that Underwood is already working to rectify that issue.
Underwood, a five-star recruit and Michigan native, signed with the Wolverines after a drawn-out saga involving LSU that ended with him landing an historic NIL deal. But before he could take a snap in college, there were concerns about Underwood’s physique.
Michigan listed Underwood at 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds, which isn’t overly large by quarterback standards. For comparison, Indiana listed Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds.
But concerns around Underwood only grew as he struggled as a true freshman. In 13 starts, he threw for just 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In fact, Underwood struggled so much that Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy said that he was no longer interested in getting involved in NIL investments.
Fast forward to this spring, and Underwood is looking to solidify his spot as the Wolverines’ starter, with new head coach Kyle Whittingham blaming the previous staff for his development struggles, yet also hyping up one of the top competitors for his starting job.
Bryce Underwood Looks In Great Shape While Training With Joe Burrow
Michigan’s updated roster for the 2026 season still lists Underwood at the same weight. But a new photo of him training alongside Cincinnati Bengals superstar Joe Burrow, with whom he shares a personal quarterback coach, appears to show a far more slender version of Underwood than we saw a year ago.
@19bryce.__ on Instagram
Underwood appears far leaner than he did at the same time a season ago, which may well help him with navigating the pocket and improving his mechanics.
If Michigan is going to take a big step forward in 2026 under Whittingham, it likely needs Underwood to take a big step forward as well. And at least from a physique standpoint, it appears he’s doing just that.