ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Former NFL safety Eric Weddle is not backing down. The Super Bowl champion and newly inducted College Football Hall of Famer is standing by his criticism of Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood, and he’s directing a message straight to the sophomore: use it as fuel.
Weddle’s original comments spark debate
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Weddle drew national attention after questioning Underwood’s readiness on a podcast, suggesting the young signal-caller was not yet equipped to lead a national championship-caliber program.
“Mark my words, don’t be surprised if the backups are playing early. I don’t think Bryce Underwood can throw or play quarterback,” Weddle said.
Those remarks came after Weddle visited Michigan during the Spring Game in Ann Arbor as part of a recruiting tour with his son, Gaige Weddle, a four-star prospect.
“I got to spring ball to watch Michigan because I was with my son going on spring visits,” Weddle said. “We went on nine different spring visits just to see schools and see their culture and identities.”
Michigan left a lasting impression
Despite the headline-grabbing quarterback critique, Weddle had glowing praise for the Michigan program as a whole, calling it the most impressive stop on the nine-school tour.
“Michigan was probably the most impressive school from resources to facilities to culture to the coaching staff to the brand,” Weddle said.
Weddle, who spent much of his football career with the University of Utah under current Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham, said Michigan’s scale and tradition left him speechless.
“All I’ve ever known is the University of Utah,” Weddle said. “So when I go to these schools that are some of the best in the entire country with the history, I’m blown away.”
Criticism rooted in high expectations, not personal bias
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Weddle clarified that his critique of Underwood was based on limited but direct observations of two games last season and a spring practice and tied to his standard for elite quarterback play.
“When I saw him, I didn’t think he was very accurate,” Weddle said. “My point is, you have to play quarterback a certain way to win a national championship.”
Weddle was careful to separate his football assessment from any personal judgment of Underwood.
“It doesn’t mean he’s not a good kid,” Weddle said. “It just means I don’t think, at this point, he can.”
He added that his view is not set in stone.
“Can he play? Can it be fixed? Of course, it can be fixed,” Weddle said. “It’s up to him. Go put the work in and let the work speak for itself.”
‘Go prove me wrong’
Weddle framed his comments as a challenge, not an attack, and said elite athletes should expect public scrutiny.
“This isn’t going to be the first time someone says something negative about you,” Weddle said. “Either you let it affect you, or you use it as motivation and go be great.”
Underwood has not publicly responded to the criticism, though he did post on his Instagram Stories a photo of himself alongside the Batman villain “The Joker,” which many interpreted as a nod to the controversy.
Weddle said his investment in the program is genuine.
“People that don’t know me, I’m a loyal guy,” Weddle said. “You want me in your corner.”
He reiterated that he is rooting for the Wolverines, while keeping his quarterback assessment front and center.
“I actually want Michigan to win,” Weddle said. “If the quarterback is not playing at a high clip, I could see a change. The coach is going to go with whoever gives the team the best chance to win.”
Weddle closed with a straightforward message for Underwood and the program.
“I wish them the best,” Weddle said. “Now go prove me wrong.”
Michigan’s 2026 outlook
Michigan enters the 2026 season with hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff, bolstered by the new additions Whittingham has made, both to his staff and to his players.
Underwood and the Wolverines will have a good shot at achieving such success this season.