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Bryce Underwood Ranked Behind 3 Others on ESPN's Latest Top Freshman List

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 10:29 PM ET

Key Points:

Bryce Underwood is a standout freshman
He didn't make the top of ESPN's new rankings
He has a chance to climb with a win at MSU

The Michigan Wolverines have a tall task ahead of them on Saturday night as they are scheduled to face in-state rival Michigan State for the Paul Bunyan Trophy in East Lansing, Michigan.

The Wolverines' starting quarterback Bryce Underwood made waves earlier this year when he said, "They've seen a lot of freshmen, but I feel like nobody has seen a freshman like me."

Underwood's comment whipped his freshman hype train into warp speed as fans and media debated whether the Belleville, Michigan native would live up to the hype.

On Friday, ESPN released its list of the season's top 15 freshmen so far and Underwood found himself just outside of the top three.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Washington during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Underwood Slotted 4th in ESPN Rankings

Underwood was ranked fourth among all freshmen nationwide according to ESPN.

The Wolverines signal caller came in behind BYU QB Bear Bachmeier, Maryland QB Malik Washington (whom Underwood will face next month in College Park, Maryland), and Miami (FL) WR Malachi Toney.

The ranking is not surprising considering Underwood's two road losses to Oklahoma and USC during which he played some of his worst football of the season, but it's still disappointing considering what the Michigan star is capable of as a passer and runner.

Underwood's Stats Impressive Among Freshmen

Underwood has completed 62.4% of his passes with 1,440 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season.

He has a chance to match or surpass Michigan's entire 2024 passing game output by himself with a strong performance at Michigan State this weekend, a testament to his ability to learn, process and apply information from his coaching staff week-to-week.

Bachmeier's stats are similar with a slightly higher completion percentage at 62.7% along with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Washington's completion percentage is lower at 59.7% but he has 11 touchdowns and three interceptions to his name.

Toney has 38 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns.

New for ESPN, we ranked the top 15 freshmen in college football through two months of the season

Full story: https://t.co/I7GY6KbsMx pic.twitter.com/uFqahDFzGP
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) October 24, 2025

Underwood's Big Chance

Underwood has a strong chance to vault himself up the list into the number one spot by the time the season is over and done with in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Wolverines have marquee games left against MSU and Ohio State and have a strong chance to make the College Football Playoff.

Underwood is still learning the game and still bringing his young teammates along with him, including rising star receiver Andrew Marsh and a revolving door at the tight end position.

The Wolverines have a chance to show Underwood in his best light again in East Lansing Saturday night in a game that could be his brightest and best to date against an MSU team that has lost four games in a row.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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