Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s shiny new five-star quarterback recruit, finally hit the field on Saturday for his first real taste of action in front of fans — and things got very interesting.
It was Michigan’s annual spring game in Ann Arbor, and when Bryce jogged onto the field, the buzz in the stadium was real. Fans were hyped. Expectations were sky-high. And then? Boom — he delivered an 88-yard touchdown bomb to tight end Jalen Hoffman on a trick play that instantly lit up social media.
But not everyone was clapping.
Why? Because the play that led to the TD was a double flea flicker — basically football’s version of saying “let’s get flashy.” Fans had mixed feelings. Some loved it. Others called it unnecessary. One person even said the play looked “like high school football.” Yikes.
Another fan joked, “Half his stats came from that one play!” And of course, an Ohio State fan account chimed in saying it was “embarrassing” to pull off a trick play just to get a highlight reel.
But hold up — not everyone was throwing shade.
Tony Garcia from the Detroit Free Press gave a more balanced take. He pointed out that Underwood showed off his arm strength and willingness to take deep shots, which is huge for Michigan’s offense. But the real test will come down to smarter play-calling, good decisions, and teamwork — not just highlight throws.
As for whether Underwood will be QB1 in the fall? Head coach Sherrone Moore is staying tight-lipped. He told On3’s J.D. PicKell that he doesn’t plan to announce a starter until about a week before the first game.
So basically, Bryce still has time to prove himself. And considering Michigan reportedly invested around $10.5 to $12 million in NIL deals to flip him from LSU, the pressure is definitely on.
Still, one thing’s clear: Underwood is Michigan’s most hyped QB prospect in years. His first outing might’ve been a bit chaotic, but there’s no denying the talent. Buckle up — this is only the beginning.
