Michigan QB Bryce Underwood struggles in spring game

Highly touted sophomore fails to impress in annual exhibition match

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:12am

A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue and yellow, depicting a fragmented and abstract view of a football game, representing the struggles of the Michigan quarterback.Michigan's spring game showcased the challenges quarterback Bryce Underwood still faces in leading the Wolverines' offense.Ann Arbor Today

Quarterback Bryce Underwood, a highly touted sophomore for the University of Michigan football team, had an underwhelming performance in the team's annual spring game, failing to showcase the growth and development many expected to see from the young signal-caller.

Why it matters

As one of the most promising young players on the Michigan roster, Underwood's struggles in the spring game have raised concerns about his readiness to lead the Wolverines' offense in the upcoming season. The spring game is a crucial evaluation period for coaches and fans alike.

The details

Underwood, who was expected to take a big leap forward in his second year, struggled to move the offense efficiently during the scrimmage, completing just 12 of 22 pass attempts for 145 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. The performance was a far cry from the flashes of potential he had shown during his freshman campaign.

  • The spring game took place on April 19, 2026.

The players

Bryce Underwood

A highly touted sophomore quarterback for the University of Michigan football team.

University of Michigan

The college football program that Bryce Underwood plays for.

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What they’re saying

“We need to see more consistency and growth from Bryce if he's going to lead this offense. The spring game was a disappointment, but we'll continue to work with him and get him ready for the season.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, University of Michigan

What’s next

The Michigan coaching staff will focus on working with Underwood throughout the summer to improve his decision-making, accuracy, and overall command of the offense before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Bryce Underwood's struggles in the Michigan spring game have raised questions about his readiness to lead the Wolverines' offense, but the coaching staff remains committed to developing the talented young quarterback into a reliable leader for the team.