Can't Wait For Saturday Fresh start with coaching change lifts Michigan quarterback of the future
· Yahoo Sports
Jun. 30—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
Visit bettingx.club for more information.
That doesn't come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, a one-time phenom with a different path to success.
Bryce Underwood, Michigan quarterback
When Michigan had to replace its football coach because of the Sherrone Moore disaster, it didn't exactly go with the conventional choice. Kyle Whittingham has been a star for decades at Utah, but has never coaches anywhere but the Beehive State and Idaho. That's it, two states.
But Whittingham walks into a potentially great situation thanks to some of the work done by the coaches before him. Specifically, they convinced Detroit phenom quarterback Bryce Underwood to play close to home in Ann Arbor.
Despite his immense talent, the five-star prospect had an inconsistent rookie season. No surprise there.
Underwood completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,428 yards. That part was good. But he threw only 11 touchdown passes and was intercepted nine times.
He helped himself with his legs, running for 392 yards and six more scores.
Michigan's new offensive coordinator Jason Beck did great work at Utah and hopes to do the same with Underwood.
The sophomore is already way ahead of most quarterbacks at his age with 13 career starts and nine wins. Michigan added valuable weapons on offense from the transfer portal.
Underwood will get tested by a loaded Michigan schedule that includes Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback
Bo Jackson, Ohio State running back
Jayden Maiava, Southern California quarterback
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M quarterback
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina quarterback