Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is looking at a shot at redemption after receiving major criticism from the media. This time around, he hopes to prove a point and prove his detractors wrong by winning a coveted trophy.

Recently, Underwood went in as a guest on the Rich Eisen show. On the show, he spoke his mind on his plan for 2026. Eisen asked him about his goals this year and possibly winning the Heisman Trophy.

"Of course," said Underwood. "Being the best player in the country. I mean, that's what that comes with. This thing right here (pointing to the national championship trophy), okay. That's number one. Heisman. Okay. Being the best leader for my team. One and 0 every week".

Since 1935, the Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the outstanding college football players. It was named after pioneer player and legendary coach John Heisman. Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the trophy last year

In his 1st true freshman year, Underwood started all 13 games. Going forward, as a leader, he will be expected to build on his promise shown last season.

Underwood's interview on the Rich Eisen Show shows that he is determined to do it this year. Especially after how he was written off by the NFL experts.

Former All-Pro safety Eric Weddle didn't hold back while discussing Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, bluntly claiming the freshman "can't throw or play quarterback."

Weddle even warned that if Underwood struggles early, the Wolverines' backup could find himself on the field sooner than many expect.

ESPN’s David Hale ranked all 138 FBS quarterbacks by tier, where Underwood landed in a group Hale named “The Christian Hackenberg Paradox.”

Christian Hackenberg was famously a physical 6-foot-4 QB who couldn't live up to his reputation. 

So naturally, Underwood would do everything in his power to change that narrative about him. His last season with Michigan saw him throw for over 2,400 yards and 11 TDs with a 60% completion rate.

Speaking of winning the Heisman trophy this year, he also has some stiff competition awaiting him. The likes of quarterbacks Arch Manning, CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, and Dante Moore are tough contenders to beat.

Underwood didn't even have a dedicated quarterback coach last year to guide him. Needless to say, he was looking for one to help him hone his skills.

This time around, he found himself a mentor in Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to help him with his training.

Bryce Underwood acknowledges Bengals quarterback's guidance

Bryce Underwood told about his training day ritual with Rich Eisen. Speaking on the same Rich Eisen show, Underwood shared his story.

"I train with Joe,” Underwood told Eisen. “When I was training with him, it just looked calm. It just looked easy. It looked simple, you know, and then it was just me watching. I was like, how can one have the footwork that’s so simple, and then it’s just so effective and so quick? And I just picked it up, just watched his film more and more and seeing the whys and everything, and then it just came to me."

Underwood is leaving nothing to chance. Neither is his coaching personnel. In fact, Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham is doing everything in his power to give Underwood the help he needs.

Speaking to Eisen, he opened up on how he is handling things with Bryce

"It's our job to put him in a position to succeed and tailor things to what he does best, and that's what we're paid to do as coaches," said Whittingham.

Bryce Underwood is ready, and so is Michigan. If the execution is as good as the preparation, they are bound to make a big splash this year.

Do you think Bryce Underwood will take Michigan to the College Football Playoff title? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote