© Junfu Han/Imagn
Star Michigan Wolverines freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has packed on the pounds since coming to Ann Arbor. But according to Underwood, there’s no reason for fans to worry.
Underwood, whose whirlwind recruitment was the biggest story of the 2025 recruiting cycle, came under scrutiny in the spring when a picture emerged of his gut hanging out of his jersey. Some fans worried that Underwood had already put on a “freshman 15” and wasn’t in playing shape despite competing for the starting job.
As it turns out, Underwood did gain a “freshman 15,” but not in the way that most students do.
“I came in at 215. I weigh 230 right now,” Underwood told On3 Sports. ““I feel like it’s made me more explosive. They help with our speed and everything like that, so I feel faster than I usually do.”
So yes, Underwood is a good bit bigger than he was when he first enrolled. But that’s all part of the plan! In fact, Underwood is in better shape now than he was when he enrolled, if you ask him. And it’s important to note that star quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes have talked at length about the benefits of playing with a few extra pounds.
But there’s even more good news for Wolverine fans. Despite Underwood spending just about six months on campus, he’s already starting to feel more comfortable in the team’s system.
“It’s going good,” Underwood said. “(I’m) Competing every single day with some of the best guys around the country has been a great opportunity for me.
“I’m getting more comfortable with everything, with the players, the coaches.”
A comfortable Bryce Underwood is a dangerous Bryce Underwood for opposing defenses. And this is all before he ever even plays a down for Michigan. If Underwood lives up to the hype, Larry Ellison’s rumored seven-figure investment in the star quarterback could prove to be a bargain.