Michigan OC Jason Beck Sees Big Year 2 Jump for QB Bryce Underwood

New Michigan offensive coordinator Jason Beck is excited to work with sophomore QB Bryce Underwood and believes his experience and mental growth will lead to a major leap in 2026.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:07pm

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New Michigan offensive coordinator Jason Beck is looking forward to working with sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood in 2026. Beck believes Underwood's experience from starting as a true freshman last season, combined with his impressive physical tools, will lead to a big jump in Year 2. Beck emphasized the importance of developing the entire quarterback room, noting that Underwood may need support from the other signal callers on the roster.

Why it matters

Underwood was the No. 1 overall recruit in 2025 and showed flashes of his potential as a true freshman starter last season. However, he didn't quite develop over the course of the year. With a new coaching staff led by Kyle Whittingham, there are high expectations for Underwood to take a major leap forward in 2026 and lead Michigan's offense to new heights.

The details

Beck was impressed with Underwood's size, athleticism, and "presence" on film. He believes the mental side of the game will be key for Underwood's development, as the quarterback needs to be "dialed into" his reads and reactions. Beck also discussed the importance of revamping the entire quarterback room, noting that Michigan needs to invest reps in developing the other signal callers behind Underwood in case they are needed.

  • Spring ball is set to begin in just under six weeks, with the spring game scheduled for April 18.

The players

Jason Beck

The new offensive coordinator for the Michigan football program, joining from the University of Utah.

Bryce Underwood

The sophomore quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, who started as a true freshman in 2025 and is expected to take a major leap forward in 2026.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football program, taking over from the previous staff.

Chase Herbstreit

An existing quarterback on the Michigan roster who will be competing for playing time alongside Underwood.

Tommy Carr

An incoming freshman quarterback joining the Michigan program.

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What they’re saying

“So when I watch the film -- man, he's a big, athletic, impressive player. Has a big arm and has a nice, like just presence about him. And to play at this level as a freshman, a true freshman, is really hard -- that is really challenging for anybody.”

— Jason Beck, Michigan Offensive Coordinator (In the Trenches Podcast)

“When you watch -- and I'll say this just on any quarterback -- when you're watching film, you can kind of see what a quarterback's thinking by how they're moving, what their feet look like in the pocket. And so it's the mental part of the position that is such a key for the quarterback to have them dialed into what they're thinking, what they're reading, what they're reacting to.”

— Jason Beck, Michigan Offensive Coordinator (In the Trenches Podcast)

“It's so important to address the depth of the room, because you're just one play away from that next guy going in. And how important that position is to your success as a team, so to have somebody that's had a lot of experience was really important because you got to invest a lot of your reps into getting Bryce ready, and you need to also be developing these other guys who may not be able to get as many reps.”

— Jason Beck, Michigan Offensive Coordinator (In the Trenches Podcast)

What’s next

Spring ball is set to begin in just under six weeks, with the spring game scheduled for April 18.

The takeaway

With a new coaching staff in place, Michigan is hoping that sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood can take a major leap forward in 2026 and lead the Wolverines' offense to new heights. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck is excited to work with Underwood and believes his experience and mental growth will be key to unlocking his full potential.