The Quarterback Question Defines Michigan’s 2026 Season
Michigan’s got the talent to run the Big Ten table in 2026, but that roster only works if Bryce Underwood actually steps up. You’ve got Jordan Marshall, a legitimate star at running back, and Andrew Marsh, a top-tier receiver. Sounds like a championship lineup, right? Well, the offense collapses if the quarterback can’t make consistent plays. Underwood has to turn those freshman flashes into steady production just to get Michigan to the College Football Playoff. The gap between a good team and a great one comes down to his ability to limit turnovers and hit the easy throws.
The pressure is real for this second-year starter.
He faced a steep learning curve last year as a true freshman in the brutal Big Ten. Now he’s got a full year of experience under his belt. He knows the defenses, and he knows the pressure of rivalry games. The team doesn’t need perfection, but they absolutely need him to stop making young mistakes. If he can do that, the Wolverines have a real shot at a championship.
Running the Ball Is Not Enough Anymore
Michigan will still run the football, and that’s a good thing. Jordan Marshall is a dangerous weapon who rushed for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He had 10 scores on just 150 carries, which shows his big-play ability. The team can lean on him when the game gets tough. But relying only on the run is a recipe for failure against top teams. Opponents like Oklahoma, Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State won’t let Michigan win just on the ground.
At some point, the offense must throw the ball to win. If defenses can pack the box without fear of the pass, it becomes very hard for Marshall to run. Underwood needs to punish teams that try to stop the run by ignoring the pass. If he can consistently hit targets downfield, the offense becomes much harder to stop. The ceiling for this team depends on whether Underwood can make those big plays in the air. Without that threat, the running game will eventually stall against elite defenses.
Andrew Marsh Gives Underwood a True Target
One major help for Underwood is the rise of Andrew Marsh. Marsh was a freshman last season and became one of the team’s biggest weapons. With four touchdowns, 651 yards, and 45 receptions, he concluded his performance. That’s a strong start for a young player. Now both sophomores have a chance to grow together. Marsh can win contested catches and handle a lot of targets. A downfield-winning receiver for Underwood is provided by him.
Michigan has also added more talent around Marsh, which helps the quarterback. Underwood will have more options than he had during parts of his first season. The chemistry between these two young players could be the key to unlocking the offense. If they can build on their freshman year success, the passing game will be a real threat. This development is crucial because it takes the pressure off the run game. A team with a good run and a good pass is very hard to beat.
What the Experts Say About the Path Forward
The focus on quarterback play isn’t unique to Michigan, as the college football world watches closely. Bill Belichick recently named Billy Edwards Jr. the starter for North Carolina, highlighting the value of experience. Belichick noted that Edwards has played a lot of football in the Big Ten. He said, “Billy Edwards has played a lot of football and had a lot of production in the Big Ten in the 2024 season at Maryland.” This shows that experience matters when teams face tough defenses.
Belichick also emphasized the gap in experience between Edwards and other players. He stated, “From an experience standpoint, he has more experience than all the other quarterbacks put together, times five.” While Edwards is at UNC, the lesson applies to Underwood. Michigan needs Underwood to use his year of experience to make better decisions. The gap between a freshman and a second-year player is huge in college football. Underwood has seen the Big Ten defenses and the pressure of big games. He just needs to apply that experience consistently to lead Michigan to a title.
The 2026 season will be a test of growth for the Wolverines. The talent is there, but it must be used correctly. If Underwood can make the easy throws and avoid mistakes, the team can soar. If he struggles, the rest of the roster might not be enough to carry the load. Fans will be watching every snap to see if the quarterback can rise to the occasion. The path to the playoffs starts in the pocket.
