Urban Meyer weighs in on Michigan’s five-star quarterback of the future, Bryce Underwood
Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is unabashedly high on Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s five-star freshman quarterback who is expected to take the Wolverines’ reins this fall. The Belleville, Michigan native flipped from LSU to Michigan in the final window of commitment last year, and scouts believe he has franchise-level potential.
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins has called Underwood a “franchise signal caller,” drawing comparisons to Vince Young for his dual-threat skill set, instincts, and playmaking ability. Those projections have only fed the excitement around the program in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines prepare to groom him into the starter.
Urban Meyer, now working in the media, said he’s thrilled to watch Underwood unfold, even if it means watching a rival quarterback rise to the top. On The Triple Option podcast with Mark Ingram II and Rob Stone, Meyer praised Underwood’s high school tape, saying he’s seen all the tools needed to excel at Michigan and beyond.
“He’s a guy that I’ve watched on film,” Meyer said. “He has it all, and I can’t wait to see him play.” He noted it would be surprising if Underwood isn’t starting, given what the numbers and film suggest about his upside and potential.
The discussion didn’t shy away from the NCAA-related fallout tied to Michigan’s program. Meyer commented on the long-running penalties, including a multi-million-dollar fine and the suspension of head coach Sherrone Moore for a game tied to Michigan’s sign-stealing case. He criticized the punishment approach, saying, “What the NCAA did is not the answer.” He also argued that coaches should bear more of a financial responsibility when contracts are involved, rather than inflicting the biggest penalties on the university.
Teammates, fans, and analysts alike will be watching closely as Underwood transitions from elite high school star to Michigan’s on-field leader. The Wolverines are set to tee off against Ohio State in their traditional showdown on Nov. 29, a game that will be televised on FOX. Meyer plans to be in the stands for The Game, which will be played in Ann Arbor, as Michigan seeks to build on a recent run of success against Ohio State.
Historically, Meyer’s presence looms large in this rivalry, having left Ohio State undefeated against Michigan during his tenure (a 7-0 mark). But the current chapter has the Wolverines riding a four-game winning streak against the Buckeyes, and the confidence in Underwood’s ceiling adds a fresh layer of anticipation for fans ahead of the showdown.
What this means for Michigan and The Game
– Underwood’s arrival and the praise from Meyer could accelerate Michigan’s plans to deploy him as a primary playmaker sooner rather than later.
– The quarterback competition (if not already decided) will be a key subplot for Michigan’s offense this season.
– The ongoing NCAA discussion adds context to how programs navigate penalties while continuing to recruit at a high level.
– The matchup with Ohio State remains the defining moment of the season, with Underwood’s development closely watched by a national audience.
Summary
Bryce Underwood is seen as a potential Game-Changer for Michigan, andUrban Meyer’s supportive, high-profile comments add fuel to the hype around his arrival. As Michigan navigates NCAA penalties and a fierce rivalry with Ohio State, Underwood’s progress will be a central storyline for the Wolverines’ 2025 season and beyond, offering fans a hopeful look at the program’s future leadership.
Additional note
– If you’re drafting a preview, consider adding a sidebar with Underwood’s last two high school seasons, notable awards, and a short breakdown of Michigan’s quarterback depth chart to help readers understand the likely pathway to the starting role.