Bryce Underwood becomes 4th freshman to start at QB for No. 14 Michigan in 34-17 win over New Mexico
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood looks to throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Credit: AP/Ryan Sun
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Bryce Underwood was welcomed with a roar from the Michigan Stadium crowd and kept the fans buzzing throughout the debut of his college career.
Underwood, the fourth freshman to start at quarterback for college football's winningest program, was 21 of 31 for 251 yards with a touchdown pass to help the 14th-ranked Wolverines open the season with a 34-17 victory over New Mexico on Saturday night.
He gave himself a C-plus when asked to grade the performance.
“A lot of things I got to work on,” Underwood said.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said Underwood is hard on himself.
“That's how he is," Moore said.
With all eyes on Underwood, he started strong.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Credit: AP/Ryan Sun
He completed a pass on his first snap to Semaj Morgan and converted a third down with another throw to the junior receiver.
His sharp passes extended the game-opening drive that ended with Justice Haynes' 56-yard touchdown run.
Underwood used his 6-foot-4, 230-pound body to block a safety to help Haynes run for a 5-yard touchdown on the second drive against the Lobos.
“It does make your cringe,” Moore said. “You don’t want to have your quarterback doing that, but it does perk you up a little bit.”
Michigan Stadium is reflected in Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood's visor as he warms up before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Credit: AP/Ryan Sun
Underwood was the nation's top-ranked recruit last year at nearby Belleville High School.
He flipped his commitment from LSU after arecruitment that included a FaceTime chat with former Michigan quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and a connection with Oracle founder Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest people.
“Bryce has done a tremendous job of winning over the team,” Haynes said after running for 159 yards and three touchdowns. “He came in with all the accolades, but he’s a humble kid. He leads by his actions, not by his talking.”
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