Bryce Underwood, once Michigan’s golden-child QB signee, faces career-defining test against No. 11 Oklahoma

When Bryce Underwood got to Michigan, he was inevitable — the golden child destined to lead the Wolverines back to the promised land.

Underwood was rated the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2025 out of Belleville, Michigan, fewer than 20 miles from Michigan's campus. He was a transcendent talent, rated a top 10 player before his sophomore season and leading his high school to a pair of state championships.

After a lengthy commitment to LSU, Underwood was famously offered a massive NIL contract to flip to his hometown program, funded in part by billionaire Larry Ellison. He was viewed as a game-changing addition, a return to form for Michigan one year after the Wolverines won the national championship. Too big to fail.

But after a stunning 13-12 performance against Western Michigan that required a controversial Hail Mary with one second remaining, Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham was hesitant to back his quarterback. By his telling, the starting quarterback spot could quickly open if things don't improve.

"There were comments about that?" Underwood said. "That's cool. That's cool. I didn't see that. It's cool."

There's a reason Underwood was taken aback by his starting job being in jeopardy: He's…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/