ESPN on Michigan’s 2026 season: Can Bryce Underwood be a game-changer?

Even with a changing of the guard with Kyle Whittingham taking over the Michigan football program, the Wolverines are somewhat flying under the radar. Despite all of the behind-the-scenes turmoil, the maize and blue managed to go 9-4 last season, which stands to reason: with more cohesion, could Michigan be better in 2026?

The schedule is brutal, but there’s a level of seriousness that Whittingham brings to the table. Considering the upgrade that new offensive coordinator Jason Beck should be, along with many of the transfers who have come in on that side of the ball, there’s a lot to like about the Wolverines’ offense.

ESPN had a roundtable discussion about some of the early storylines across college football, and one panelist, when talking about offensive players, demurred from the Dante Moore-Jeremiah Smith expectations and spoke up about Bryce Underwood and what he might bring to the table in his second year.

Lyles: I agree with all of the above, but I’ll add Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood based on his potential. I am excited to see what new offensive coordinator Jason Beck is going to be able to do with him after seeing the success Beck had with Devon Dampier at both New Mexico and Utah. If he’s able to have similar success with the Wolverines, there’s no question Underwood will be one of the more impactful players this season.

Underwood had a bit of an up-and-down freshman campaign, one that showed very little in the way of development. However, that’s been pinpointed by Whittingham and Beck as something they’re working to change. If they’re able to get Underwood to maximize his potential, it could be a complete game-changer for the Wolverine offense — and potential outlook for the team as a whole.