College football fans around the country are looking forward to a new season, but perhaps none are as hyped as University of Michigan fans.
The Wolverines managed to secure Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the United States in the class of 2025, and the young star made his debut as starting quarterback for the team in a 34-17 win over the New Mexico Lobos at home in Michigan Stadium on August 30, 2025.
Since then, Underwood has only continued to gain more attention. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy praised the young athlete during the September 6, 2025, episode of Big Noon Kickoff.
“I’ve sat with Urban [Meyer], I’ve sat with all the quarterbacks, they’re drooling about this guy, Bryce Underwood,” said Portnoy, 48, who also graduated from Michigan. “They can’t believe what they’re seeing on tape. He’s like the supernova.”
Portnoy continued: “I hope they use his legs. He didn’t run at all last week. I think they’re saving it for this week. I think he might be the single best freshman ever in college football. I like Michigan tonight.”
Keep scrolling to learn more about Michigan’s five-star recruit.
He Grew Up in Detroit
Bryce Underwood Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Underwood graduated from Belleville High School, located less than 30 minutes away from Michigan Stadium, near Detroit, where he threw for 1,488 yards, 152 touchdowns and had a 50-4 record. During his tenure, he led the program to two state championships.
Tom Brady Might Have Convinced Him to Go to Michigan
Bryce Underwood Raj Mehta/Getty Images
Underwood actually committed to LSU, until a recruitment effort led in part by Michigan alum Tom Brady apparently swayed him to stay put in his home state.
In December 2024, during an appearance on the “Kickin it with Dee” podcast, Underwood said he was surprised when he received a call from Brady.
“It caught me off guard, not gonna lie,” he said at the time.“I didn’t expect it. Next thing I know my phone ringing with a 305 number.” The young football star didn’t share what Brady had to say, but it’s clear the conversation made an impact.
He Was the No. 1 Recruit in the Country
Bryce Underwood Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Underwood was heavily recruited out of high school and entered college as the top recruit in the country. After swapping his allegiance from LSU to Michigan, Underwood also became the highest-rated offensive recruit in the college program’s history, helping to boos the school’s current recruiting class to No. 14 overall.
He First Gained Attention in 2021
Bryce Underwood Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Underwood’s star began to rise in 2021, when he threw for 2,888 yards and 39 touchdowns as a freshman. He was named Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023 as a junior.
He’s Already Dedicated to the Program
Bryce Underwood Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Though the football season is just beginning, Underwood has demonstrated his dedication to Michigan’s football program from day one. In an interview with ESPN published on September 4, 2025, Michigan’s coach Sherrone Moore revealed he’d found the young athlete working out as late as 2 a.m.
As the outlet noted, once Moore heard Underwood was using the school’s indoor practice facility to work on his passes, he told the young recruit, “You gotta sleep.”
