Former Top College Football Recruit Poised for Breakout Under New Michigan Coaching Staff

Quarterback Bryce Underwood aims to capitalize on coaching change and unlock his potential in 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Bryce Underwood, the former No. 1 overall college football recruit in the class of 2025, is expected to benefit greatly from Michigan's coaching change. After an uneven 2025 season under the previous staff, Underwood will now work with new head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who are expected to help the talented quarterback reach new heights in 2026.

Why it matters

As one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory, Underwood's development is closely watched. The coaching change at Michigan provides him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills and live up to his lofty recruiting billing after a mixed debut season.

The details

Underwood, a 6'4" 215-pound quarterback, passed for 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 392 yards and 6 scores in 2025. However, Michigan's offense struggled overall, falling from 35.9 points per game in 2023 to just 22.0 and 27.5 in the following two seasons under the previous coaching staff. With new head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck now in place, Underwood is expected to thrive in their system, which helped Utah average 41.1 points per game in 2025.

  • Underwood was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025.
  • Underwood had an uneven 2025 season at Michigan, his first year on campus.
  • Jim Harbaugh departed Michigan for the NFL after the 2025 season.
  • Kyle Whittingham was hired as Michigan's new head coach for the 2026 season.
  • Jason Beck was hired as Michigan's new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season.

The players

Bryce Underwood

A highly touted quarterback who was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025 and is expected to thrive under Michigan's new coaching staff in 2026.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football team, hired for the 2026 season.

Jason Beck

The new offensive coordinator of the Michigan football team, hired for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“New head coach Kyle Whittingham 'should help stabilize things' and new offensive coordinator Jason Beck's offenses have averaged over 41 points per game.”

— Antonio Morales, The Athletic reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

Underwood and the new Michigan coaching staff will look to implement their offensive system and unlock the quarterback's full potential during spring practices and the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Underwood's development will be closely watched as he aims to capitalize on the coaching change at Michigan and solidify his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in college football.