A Critique That Resonates
Former NFL All‑Pro safety Eric Weddle recently used his podcast platform to question whether Michigan’s rising star Bryce Underwood truly possesses the arm talent required of a quarterback at the highest level.
Underwood, a true freshman last season, posted 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 60.3% of his throws, and added 393 rushing yards and nine rushing scores, showing a dual‑threat skill set that has drawn early praise.
While Weddle’s critique lacked a detailed breakdown, the comment quickly became a talking point on social media, prompting both supporters and detractors to weigh in on the quarterback’s development trajectory.
Adding to the narrative, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has forecast a “massive jump” for Underwood in 2026, and Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, who previously coached Weddle at Utah, compared the youngster to Cam Newton, highlighting his charisma, physical presence and skill set.
Whittingham’s endorsement carries extra weight because of his personal history with Weddle, who played under him at Utah, a connection that lends context to the former safety’s critical stance.
At 18 years old and the No. 1 overall recruit of the 2025 class, Underwood remains a work in progress, but the upcoming 2026 season will ultimately determine whether Weddle’s early assessment holds any water.