Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood can be one of the most transformational talents in college football during the 2025 season. His performance alone can elevate TTUN to CFP status after he was initiated into FBS football with a 24-13 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners.
Underwood took a licking in Norman, throwing just nine completions in 24 attempts for a measly 142 yards. Still, he can rebound spectacularly with Big Ten play beginning. The Nebraska Cornhuskers come first, followed by a bye week, then a "prove-it" stretch against the Wisconsin Badgers, USC Trojans, and Washington Huskies.
Eventually, Underwood and the Wolverines will welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes. Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik used the word "scary" to describe the Belleville, Michigan, product while answering a texter's question about what Buckeye fans can learn about the maize and blue this weekend.
"Everything about Michigan revolves around the development of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Saturday’s game at Nebraska will be an important next step," Krajisnik wrote.
"The Wolverines were seemingly conservative in their usage of Underwood during a Week 2 loss at Oklahoma. He was often stationed in the pocket and registered only three carries. For a 228-pound quarterback with mobility, it was surprising.
"Underwood ran for 114 yards against Central Michigan last week, suggesting the Wolverines are ready to let their freshman play freely. If they do and he looks good, it could be a scary sign for an Ohio State team looking to snap a four-game skid against Michigan."
It's hard to say what "The Game" will look like given it's more than two months out. All one can say in the red corner is: in Matt Patricia we trust.
There's a standard being held in Columbus. All three opponents Ohio State has welcomed to the "Shoe" this season have left with single-digit points. A 14-7 win over the Texas Longhorns in Week 1 stands out as the season's most impressive win so far for any team. But a 70-point win and keeping the Ohio Bobcats to just nine points is nothing to discount either.
Underwood may come in as the most spectacular freshman in the country. But the Buckeyes are a proven entity with a proven defensive coordinator who has more than met the moment after an offseason of anxiety and skepticism about whether or not he could.