When Sherrone Moore and GM Sean Magee flipped Bryce Underwood from LSU, Michigan fans practically threw a national party. Landing a ‘generational talent’ quarterback? That’s a serious win. And Underwood? He’s not just aiming to play in Ann Arbor; he’s talking about building a ‘long-lasting legacy.’ But you know how it goes—there’s a razor-thin line between confidence and, well, coming off a bit too strong. And some fans? They’re not exactly buying into his ‘legacy’ talk.

Bryce Underwood hasn’t held back for a second when it comes to expressing his belief in his skills and his ability to shape Michigan’s future. Take his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, for example. He said, “With social media being a huge thing, is going to be touching camera. So I know that my whole life, high school, 7-on-7, everything that I’ve been cameras out. So it’s just another big step that’s gonna take off my legacy.” And when Eisen asked him point-blank what that legacy would look like, Underwood didn’t hesitate: “A couple of Heismans and at least one Natty.”

Look, there’s nothing wrong with having big dreams. But in today’s world, big talk comes with big backlash. Remember how even Heisman winner Travis Hunter got heat for saying his two-way role was tougher than Shohei Ohtani’s MLB gig? Or how Shedeur Sanders got tagged as ‘arrogant’ after confidently talking to NFL teams at the Combine? Now, it seems the spotlight is on the next generation. We can only hope Bryce Underwood’s path is smooth, because after making those kinds of claims, one misstep will unleash a tidal wave of criticism.

And Underwood keeps finding ways to stir the pot. Just days ago, he took a shot at Ohio State—right in front of LeBron James, no less. After a Lakers-Clippers game, Underwood, connected to James Harden through the same agency, got access to the players’ area. When LeBron (Buckeyes ardent fan) arrived, Underwood, after a moment’s hesitation, declared, “It’s over for Ohio State.” Bold words from a guy who hasn’t even played a down of college football. Is it cockiness? Maybe.

No one doubts Bryce Underwood’s talent, though. He’s got the potential to do big things. In 2024, he led Belleville to a 10-2 season, reaching the state regional semifinals and putting up impressive numbers: 2,509 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, just six interceptions, and a 71.8% completion rate. Plus, he rushed for 600 yards and six more touchdowns. The year before? He lit up defenses for 3,329 yards, 44 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, earning Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year honors and leading Belleville to a 13-1 record and a third-straight title game appearance.

But high school is one thing; college football is another beast entirely. And Underwood’s path isn’t exactly clear. First, there’s the quarterback situation in Ann Arbor. It was all about Underwood until Mikey Kenne arrived on campus, and now Sherrone Moore has a decision to make. To win the Heisman and the national championship, you’ve got to play, and that starting role is still up in the air. Add to that the growing chorus of CFB fans triggered by his confident words, and it’s clear Underwood has a lot to prove.

Fans can’t withstand Bryce Underwood’s cocky behaviour

We all know college football fans are quick to offer a reality check, and Bryce Underwood is now in their sights. While self-belief is admirable, making grand pronouncements without on-field proof can backfire. Remember Tate Martell, the former Ohio State star QB? He famously declared, “Why would I leave for someone who hasn’t put in a second here?” when Justin Fields transferred. Two weeks later, Martell himself transferred to Miami, where he struggled to secure a starting role, eventually switching positions and then transferring again before retiring from football in 2022. As one Instagram user pointed out, “Buddy is doing a lot of talking; you can only hope he backs it up this season.”

Then there’s the ‘Heisman talk.’ Underwood’s ambition to win ‘a couple of Heismans’ has raised eyebrows. Only two freshmen have ever won the Heisman, both redshirt freshmen: Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston. And only Archie Griffin has won it twice. So, while Underwood’s confidence is notable, fans are skeptical. One commented, “a couple of Heismans??? Ok, buddy,” while another took a jab at his national championship aspirations, saying, “Natty once he transfers out.” Perhaps ‘a couple of Nattys and one Heisman’ would have been a more palatable claim than the reverse.

Of course, Bryce Underwood’s substantial NIL deal is also a talking point. Before committing to Michigan, he was heavily linked to LSU, but a reported $10.5 million offer changed the game. As one fan sarcastically remarked, “Bruh was talking shit about Michigan until they said we got 13 million for you. LMAO 🤣”

Ultimately, the underlying message is clear: “Bro, chill, you haven’t taken a snap in a spring game yet.” However, it’s also important to acknowledge that hope and confidence are part of the game. Underwood isn’t necessarily boasting about being the best or disrespecting other players; he’s expressing immense faith in his own abilities. Whether that faith is justified remains to be seen.