In a milestone moment for the Michigan Wolverines football program, true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood earned his first Big Ten Conference weekly award on September 15, 2025, following a breakout performance in the team’s 42-21 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas on September 13. Named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Underwood’s stellar showing—marked by a massive 350 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions—has solidified his status as one of the most promising talents in college football, drawing widespread acclaim for his poise and precision under pressure. This honor, the first of its kind for a Michigan true freshman quarterback since Tate Forcier in 2009, underscores Underwood’s rapid ascent and the Wolverines’ successful transition into the post-Jim Harbaugh era under head coach Sherrone Moore.
Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class and a five-star phenom from Belleville High School in suburban Detroit, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan in November 2024, citing a desire to stay in-state and contribute immediately to the storied program. At just 18 years old, he was named the starting quarterback just days before the season opener against New Mexico on August 30, where he impressed with 251 passing yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 win. However, it was his sophomore-like command against Central Michigan that truly turned heads. In the home-and-home series opener at Michigan Stadium, Underwood orchestrated a balanced offensive attack, completing 25 of 32 passes (78.1% completion rate) for 350 yards and three scores, while adding 45 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His performance included a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roman Wilson on the opening drive, setting the tone for Michigan’s efficient, error-free outing. The Wolverines’ offense racked up 489 total yards, with Underwood’s efficiency (no sacks, zero turnovers) earning praise from Big Ten officials for exemplifying “freshman excellence in a high-stakes rivalry matchup.”
This award arrives at a pivotal time for Michigan, who entered the 2025 season ranked No. 15 after a transitional 7-6 campaign in 2024 that ended with a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Alabama. With Harbaugh now coaching the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL, Moore has leaned heavily on Underwood’s arm to revitalize the passing game, which struggled with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions from a quarterback carousel last year. Underwood’s emergence has not only boosted team morale but also enhanced Michigan’s recruiting appeal; the program recently secured commitments from top-10 prospects for the 2026 class, including five-star running back Savion Hiter, who cited Underwood’s leadership as a factor. On social media, Wolverines fans erupted in celebration, with hashtags like #UnderwoodEra trending as supporters hailed the 6-foot-4, 208-pound signal-caller as the “future face of Michigan football.”
The Big Ten’s recognition highlights Underwood’s broader impact beyond statistics. As the unanimous No. 1 high school player entering college boasting a 50-4 record, two state titles, 11,488 passing yards, and 179 total touchdowns at Belleville Underwood has already shattered records, becoming the first true freshman to grace the cover of EA Sports’ College Football 26 deluxe edition. His maturity, evidenced by late-night film sessions and a strong rapport with teammates like running back Justice Haynes (who rushed for 156 yards and three TDs in the opener), has drawn comparisons to Michigan legends like Tom Brady and J.J. McCarthy. Moore praised Underwood post-game, noting, “He’s no average freshman—he’s owning the team and leading with poise beyond his years.”
Looking ahead, Underwood’s award positions Michigan favorably as they prepare for a marquee Week 4 clash against Nebraska on September 20, part of the Big Ten’s expanded schedule. With the conference’s quarterback rankings placing Underwood in the top tier alongside Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, this honor could propel the Wolverines toward playoff contention, especially as NIL collectives like the newly launched $1 billion Wolverines NIL Collective provide resources for his development. For Underwood, this is just the beginning; as he competes for national accolades like the Heisman Trophy later in the season, his first Big Ten nod serves as validation of the hype surrounding the Michigan native who chose to “bring his talent to the Wolverines