Bryce Underwood hasn’t thrown a single pass in the maize and blue, yet his name is already being discussed in the same breath as Michigan Wolverines’ greats. The five-star prodigy arrives in Ann Arbor carrying the weight of expectation, a burden only intensified by a program desperate for stability in the pocket. Now, for year 2 HC Sherrone Moore, the signal-caller question looms larger than ever. After a season defined by uncertainty at the position, Moore knows he can’t afford to fumble this decision—not with a $10 million investment in Underwood and not with Oklahoma‘s Brent Venables promising to bring defensive fire. “Why am I going to call the defense? Because I’m good at it,” Venables declared with confidence. Whether Moore is ready to counter that fire with a quarterback decision that sticks remains to be seen.

Michigan’s QB room is a study in contrast—talent, promise, and the ghosts of last season’s inconsistency all collide in a high-stakes competition. Sherrone Moore insists the starting job remains an open battle, with Jadyn Davis, Chase Herbstreit, and Mikey Keene all given a shot. But the reality is clear: Bryce Underwood is that 6’4” centerpiece. The No. 1-ranked recruit in the 2024 class didn’t flip his commitment from LSU Tigers just to hold a clipboard. The Detroit homeboy made it official in December, opting to stay close to home and embrace the pressure that comes with leading his childhood dream program. That decision put him on a collision course with expectations, and this week, on The Rich Eisen Show, he finally broke his silence about what he envisions for his time at Michigan.

On Wednesday, where show host and U-Mich alum Rich Eisen had Bryce Underwood live in his southern California studio. When asked about his legacy, the Belleville High School star didn’t rush to answer. Instead, he let the moment breathe, the weight of the question settling in. Then, with quiet confidence, he delivered his vision: “A couple Heismans and at least one natty.” There was no hesitation in his ambition, no hedging.

He understands what’s at stake and has no intention of shying away from it. His commitment to Michigan wasn’t just about football, though—family and education played just as pivotal a role. “Me and my family had a lot of sit-downs to really think about the things that matter, which is education and how far am I really willing to go?” Underwood explained. “That was really one of the main things.”

Underwood’s childhood allegiance to the Wolverines also weighed heavily in his choice. “Both are great programs. I have a lot of love for the both of them, honestly,” he said, referring to Michigan and LSU. “So with me being a Michigan fan growing up, of course that was one of the big factors—biggest things that don’t know me, of course, playing for the Motor City Wolverines and things like that.” That kind of connection to the program isn’t something that can be manufactured, and for a fan base yearning for a superstar quarterback, Underwood’s passion for Michigan football is a storyline that writes itself.

Of course, in today’s era, commitments are often tied to more than just tradition and childhood dreams. The influence of NIL money looms over every major recruitment, and rumors swirled about a multi-million dollar package luring Underwood to Ann Arbor. But for him, that was an afterthought. “The last thing that was on the bucket list, honestly,” he said, dismissing the idea that money was a deciding factor. That’s exactly the type of response Michigan fans and coaches wanted to hear. His focus is locked in, and he now walks into a program that desperately needs a spark.

Michigan’s offense was an eyesore in 2024, plagued by inconsistency and a passing attack that never found its rhythm. The Wolverines cycled through three different starting quarterbacks, searching for a steady hand to guide them. Underwood, despite his youth, has the poise and the talent to be that answer.

Will Bryce Underwood be able to answer Sherrone Moore’s QB1 dilemma?

Michigan has itself a quarterback battle brewing. Alex Orji and Davis Warren played musical chairs last season, no it’s time to settle the QB1 question once and for all. That’s what they want in the No. 1 in the class to do. The freshman with a résumé that screams “next big thing.” But Michigan isn’t just handing him the job. They also hit the transfer portal, bringing in Mikey Keene from Fresno State to add experience and competition.

Bryce Underwood? He’s not backing down. “I just know I’ve just got to be myself,” Underwood said. “That’s my main thing. I’m willing to work for everything. I’m going to work for everything I earn.”

That work ethic helped him rack up 12,919 all-purpose yards and 179 touchdowns as a four-year high school starter. Now, he’s packing on muscle, too—bulking up from 208 to 228 pounds since enrolling. When asked if he wants to be the guy under center for Michigan’s August 30 season opener vs. New Mexico, he didn’t hesitate:

“Definitely.” The talent is there. The mindset is there.