Diego Pavia Delivers Clear Verdict on Bryce Underwood Before Upcoming Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 3:54 PM ET

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia thinks highly of one of college football’s newcomers.

Michigan incoming freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has quickly emerged as the Wolverines' day one starter because of his ability to pass and run the ball well. In his senior season at Belleville High School, he passed for 2,509 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions, according to his 247Sports player profile.

On the ground, he rushed for 600 yards and six touchdowns. Underwood initially committed to the LSU Tigers but switched to the Wolverines to stay close to his family in Belleville, Michigan.

The 17-year-old has also already begun practicing with the program to prepare for this upcoming season, which Pavia seems excited about.

“I think he’ll be really good,” Pavia said during a recent episode of the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast before mentioning he has yet to meet him. “No, I haven’t. I’ve seen, and some of my boys at home say, he’s pretty good.”

Pavia has never played for Michigan but still spoke highly about Underwood, who could be the teams starter following last season. Davis Warren started under center for the Wolverines in 2024 but only threw for 1,199 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine games he appeared in after being benched for Alex Orji against Arkansas State on Sept. 14, 2024.

Head coach Sherrone Moore’s decision to bench Warren was considered controversial because he was named the starter for the entire season.

However, despite the move, Warren returned to the starting role against Michigan State on Oct. 26, 2024 to play out the rest of the season before announcing in January that he would return to Michigan for his fifth season as a redshirt junior but will miss much of the year with a torn ACL that requires surgery.

If Davis is unable to start Underwood, with his impressive speed and athleticism, could impress the coaching staff and claim the starting job.

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

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