ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood says his biggest goal entering the 2026 season isn’t proving doubters wrong. It’s proving he can be the best version of himself.
The sophomore quarterback, expected to lead the Wolverines this fall, said during his interview with NBC Sports that his focus is on leadership both on and off the field after spending the offseason building trust with teammates.
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“I want to prove that I’m the best me I could possibly be,” Underwood said. “Leadership. Just being true to myself and being the best me I could possibly be in school, football, anything.”
Underwood said he has grown into a more vocal leader over the past several months.
“For the last six or seven months, we’ve been working every single day, bonding off the field and on the field,” Underwood said. “Those guys built a bond with me, and I trust those guys with everything I have.”
The Belleville native described his first year at Michigan as a valuable learning experience.
“It was a great experience,” Underwood said. “I’m glad I got my feet wet. I’m just excited for this season. It’s a blessing to have my first year in college as a quarterback at the University of Michigan.”
Underwood also praised first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, calling him “a winner” and “a savage.”
“He wants us to be a player-led team,” Underwood said. “He told me, ‘This is what I need from you. I want you to be the face of that leadership.’ I appreciate him for trusting me.”
Despite coaching changes following last season, Underwood said transferring never crossed his mind.
“My blessing was to come to the University of Michigan,” Underwood said. “God’s plan was for me to be here, and I stayed here.”
The former five-star recruit said he has always been driven by competition and hopes to leave his mark on one of college football’s most storied programs.
“My mindset was always to be the best,” Underwood said. “No matter what I do, I want to be the best I could possibly be.”
That mentality began early.
Underwood said he initially wanted to play running back because he admired former NFL star Marshawn Lynch before his father encouraged him to become a quarterback.
“My dad saw me more as a leader than just a guy running the football,” Underwood said. “Quarterback was the way we went.”
Underwood credited quarterback trainer Jordan Palmer with helping him simplify his game this offseason.
“My game is going to look easy and simplified,” Underwood said. “Staying calm under pressure has been my main focus.”
He has also spent months studying new offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s system.
“My main goal has been picking his brain, watching how he calls plays and understanding his expectations,” Underwood said. “We’re getting to the point where I’m figuring it out.”
While Underwood has individual aspirations, he said Michigan’s goals remain team-oriented.
“If we’re talking in December,” Underwood said, “I hope we’re talking about Michigan being on the way to a national championship.”
Asked whether Michigan is being overlooked entering the season, Underwood replied, “I feel so.”
He said he hopes his legacy in Ann Arbor will be defined less by statistics than by leadership.
“I want people to say I was a great leader, team first, willing to do anything for the team,” Underwood said.
Michigan opens its 2026 season Sept. 5, and Underwood had a brief message for Wolverines fans eager for kickoff.
“Just get ready,” Underwood said.