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Michigan football knew it had to make a big move after having one of the worst passing attacks in college football last season. That move? Landing the top-ranked player in the 2025 recruiting class. QB Bryce Underwood chose to play for Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines after committing to LSU. Underwood, the Belleville (MI) product, is in line to start for the Wolverines in their opening game against New Mexico on August 30.
Since arriving in Ann Arbor, Underwood has done nothing but impress his teammates and coaching staff. One source close to the situation spoke to CBS Sports on Underwood and his work ethic since arriving at Michigan. He is typically one of the first players to arrive at practice and the last to leave.
"He's a unique and rare guy," a source told CBS Sports.
"He's been amazing," one source said. "Awesome human being. Puts in a ton of work. Already commands a room, even with as young as he is. Has a goal to learn everybody's name in the building and gives the janitor the same respect that he gives the head coach. As a leader, he just gets it."
The Wolverines had to rotate between three QBs last season before ending up playing the original starter: Davis Warren. Despite the lack of throwing, Michigan had the 131st-ranked passing attack, the Wolverines still defeated Ohio State and Alabama in back-to-back games to end the season. Now, with what's expected to be a competent passing attack with Underwood, the Wolverines could be back in contention playing for a College Football Playoff birth in 2025.
"He reads the field really well, he gets the ball out, has a quick release and can deliver the ball on all three levels," a source said. "That was stuff the quarterbacks struggled with last year. So to see him doing that stuff is very encouraging."
Michigan brought in Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who was forced to miss most of spring due to an undisclosed injury, and with Keene missing so much time, both Underwood and Jadyn Davis got the run with the '1s' in practice. Underwood has impressed and shown he's ready to play for the Wolverines. Now, Michigan fans can sit back and gear up for Week 1 of the 2025 season to see Underwood under the lights.
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2025 College Football Top 25 Rankings Plus Each Team’s Most Important Player
#1 Texas Longhorns Most Important Player: QB Arch Manning Why: Manning steps into the starting role after backing up Quinn Ewers. His ability to lead a talented roster with a rebuilt offensive line against a tough schedule, including a Week 1 clash with Ohio State, will define Texas’ national title hopes. His dual-threat potential (939 passing yards, 9 TDs, 4 rushing TDs in 2024) is critical. #2 Ohio State Buckeyes Most Important Player: WR Jeremiah Smith Why: Smith, a dynamic freshman in 2024 (15 TD catches, 17.3 yards per reception), is the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense with a new QB (Julian Sayin) and new coordinators. His ability to stretch defenses will be vital for a repeat title run. #3 Penn State Nittany Lions Most Important Player: QB Drew Allar Why: Allar’s development as a passer is key for Penn State to overcome their Ohio State hurdle. With 2024’s top receivers gone, his ability to elevate a new receiving corps will determine if the Nittany Lions can compete for a Big Ten title. #4 Georgia Bulldogs Most Important Player: QB Gunnar Stockton Why: With Carson Beck transferring, Stockton takes over a Georgia team with 13 NFL Draft losses. His ability to manage a talented but retooled roster against a tough SEC schedule will dictate Georgia’s success. #5 Clemson Tigers Most Important Player: QB Cade Klubnik Why: Klubnik’s breakout 2024 season (3,600+ yards, 36 TDs) makes him the engine of Clemson’s ACC title defense. His consistency against top teams like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers will be crucial. #6 LSU Tigers Most Important Player: QB Garrett Nussmeier Why: Nussmeier’s 2024 stats rivaled Jayden Daniels’ pre-Heisman year. With a strong receiving corps and a bolstered line, his growth could push LSU toward an SEC title, especially in night games at Tiger Stadium. #7 Oregon Ducks Most Important Player: QB Dante Moore Why: Moore, a transfer, replaces Dillon Gabriel and must maintain Oregon’s high-powered offense after a 13-0 2024 season. His adjustment to a new system and ability to lead against Ohio State in the playoffs will be pivotal. #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Most Important Player: RB Jeremiyah Love Why: Love’s breakout 2024 season makes him the focal point of Notre Dame’s offense, especially with a QB battle (Carr vs. Minchey). His versatility will be key against a tough schedule, including Miami. #9 Alabama Crimson Tide Most Important Player: QB Ty Simpson Why: Simpson is the likely QB1 for the Crimson Tide this season. His leadership and playmaking will be critical for Alabama to rebound under Kalen DeBoer. #10 Miami Hurricanes Most Important Player: QB Carson Beck Why: Beck, a transfer from Georgia, brings elite experience to Miami’s high-powered offense. His ability to gel with a reloaded roster will determine if the Hurricanes can challenge Clemson in the ACC. #11 Illinois Fighting Illini Most Important Player: QB Luke Altmyer Why: Altmyer’s return gives Illinois continuity after a 10-win 2024. His leadership against a tough Big Ten schedule (USC, Ohio State) will decide if the Illini can sustain their sleeper status. #12 Arizona State Sun Devils Most Important Player: QB Sam Leavitt Why: Leavitt’s return after a Big 12 title run is critical without star RB Cam Skattebo. His connection with WR Jordyn Tyson will drive ASU’s offense against a challenging road schedule. #13 Florida Gators Most Important Player: QB DJ Lagway Why: Lagway’s emergence in 2024 gives Florida a dynamic QB. His development with receivers like J. Michael Sturdivant and a tough SEC schedule will shape the Gators’ ceiling. #14 South Carolina Gamecocks Most Important Player: QB LaNorris Sellers Why: Sellers’ dual-threat ability nearly upset Clemson in 2024. His growth as a passer and leader will be crucial for South Carolina to navigate a brutal schedule and contend for a CFP spot. #15: BYU Cougars Most Important Player: WR Chase Roberts Why: With top receivers gone, Roberts is the primary target for BYU’s passing game. His ability to create mismatches will be vital for the Cougars to stay in the Big 12 race. #16 Michigan Wolverines Most Important Player: QB Bryce Underwood Why: The five-star freshman is Michigan’s future, and his early impact could elevate a retooling offense. His performance will determine if the Wolverines can stay in the Big Ten hunt. #17 Kansas State Wildcats Most Important Player: QB Avery Johnson Why: Johnson’s dual-threat ability and chemistry with RB Dylan Edwards make him the centerpiece of K-State’s offense. His growth in Year 2 as a starter is key for a Big 12 title push. #18: Tennessee Volunteers Most Important Player: QB Joey Aguilar Why: Aguilar, a UCLA transfer, steps in after Nico Iamaleava’s departure. His ability to adapt to Josh Heupel’s system will determine if Tennessee can leverage their defensive strength. #19 SMU Mustangs Most Important Player: TE RJ Maryland Why: Maryland’s return (17 TD catches in three years) is critical for SMU’s passing game after losing six key receivers. His health and production will drive their ACC title hopes. #20 Iowa State Cyclones Most Important Player: QB Rocco Becht Why: Becht’s experience as a third-year starter is vital with top receivers gone. His connection with transfer WR Sowell will determine if Iowa State can repeat their 2024 success. #21 Ole Miss Rebels Most Important Player: QB Austin Simmons Why: Simmons replaces Jaxson Dart, and his ability to lead a transfer-heavy roster will be key for Ole Miss to stay competitive in the SEC under Lane Kiffin. #22 Texas A M Aggies Most Important Player: QB Marcel Reed Why: Reed’s dual-threat ability and new weapons like KC Concepcion make him critical for Texas A M’s offense. Generating a pass rush will complement his impact. #23 Iowa Hawkeyes Most Important Player: QB Brendan Sullivan Why: Sullivan, a transfer, must improve Iowa’s passing game, which has been a weak point. His performance will determine if the Hawkeyes can exceed their 8-5 2024 record. #24 Texas Tech Red Raiders Most Important Player: QB Behren Morton Why: Morton’s recovery from shoulder surgery and ability to lead a revamped defense with transfer additions will be crucial for Texas Tech to climb the Big 12 standings. #25 Auburn Tigers Most Important Player: QB Jackson Arnold Why: Arnold, an Oklahoma transfer, must stabilize Auburn’s offense under Hugh Freeze. His experience and fit with playmakers like Cam Coleman will determine Auburn’s improvement.
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Steelers reporter shares big claim about how Aaron Rodgers has looked in training camp
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the bulk of the spring as an unsigned free agent and, thus, only began officially practicing with Pittsburgh Steelers teammates during the team's three-day mandatory minicamp in June. During a Monday appearance on Pittsburgh radio station 102.5 WDVE, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed how Rodgers looked during his first few training camp practices with the club. "His release is just astonishing to watch," Dulac said about Rodgers, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Everybody knows about it, and when you see it in person, you see it every day in practice, you just marvel at it. To me, he's the greatest thrower of the football I have ever seen, even at 41 (years old). That flick of that wrist and that ball comes out, it's moving and it is something to see." Rodgers was with the New York Jets when he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener. He was then slowed by a nagging hip issue, injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a serious hamstring problem as the 2024 Jets went 5-12. According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers finished last season ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.0 adjusted QBR and 26th with a 43.9 percent passing success rate. That said, he was also eighth with 3,897 passing yards and tied for seventh with 28 passing touchdowns. Rodgers and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson endured some struggles during training camp sessions last summer before the two allegedly "never saw eye-to-eye" during the season. It sounds like Pittsburgh fans should be encouraged by how Rodgers performed in recent practices. "That guy can get rid of the ball as quick as anybody," Dulac added. "He made three throws in seven-on-seven (drills) the other day that the cumulative total I bet couldn't have exceeded 2.1 seconds. And two of those were for touchdowns." Rodgers wants to finish his career "the right way" and help the Steelers notch at least their first playoff win since January 2017. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh at -150 betting odds to miss the playoffs for the upcoming season.
Kirk Cousins makes notable leadership move after Falcons practice
Kirk Cousins might be relegated to the job of backup quarterback, but he is showing veteran leadership to his Atlanta Falcons teammates. Following Sunday's practice, Cousins pulled aside rookie defensive end James Pearce to encourage the first-round pick after his fourth practice in the league at Flowery Branch, Georgia. "QB Kirk Cousins pulled aside Pearce after practice to compliment him on a pass batted down," wrote Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Cousins reportedly had a solid day of practice on Sunday, going 7-of-12 passing against the first-team unit. If Cousins wants out of Atlanta, he's not showing it at practice. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is competing on the field and being a good teammate around the facility. Cousins' actions on the field backed up what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot praised Cousins for before the team's practice on Sunday. “Outside, it's a lot more of a deal than it is in the building,” Fontenot said to the media about the idea of friction between the Falcons and Cousins, per video from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “He shows up, he does his job, just like anybody ... We've gotta build the best 70-man roster so we can go win games. "That's what we're focused on, and Kirk, just like all the other players, is focused on coming in here and doing their job. That's what he's been doing." Fontenot didn't dismiss the idea that Atlanta would trade Cousins before the season. He said the Falcons will do whatever it takes to make the team better, but stressed that Cousins has been a professional throughout the process of being replaced by Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick from the 2024 draft. “In terms of making moves, whether it's trades or acquiring players, we're always looking at those factors," Fontenot said. "We're gonna do whatever we can do to make this team the best it can possibly be. But he's been a great professional, and he's handled himself well.” Cousins is coming to work in a manner that will make another owner want to take a chance on the veteran quarterback. That could be one of his best-selling points before he plays in his 13th season in the league.
LA Lakers have inside track to sign 2x All-Star in new buyout deal, it would complete their roster
The Los Angeles Lakers could make yet another addition to their roster this offseason. After a poor postseason run, the Los Angeles Lakers have been active this summer in hopes of bolstering their roster. In fact, general manager Rob Pelinka has already made some key additions to the roster, including Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Signing an elite center was arguably the most important task for Pelinka this offseason, and he fulfilled it with the arrival of Ayton. However, one could argue that the Lakers still need a quality backup center. Luka Doncic could recruit Nikola Vucevic to the Los Angeles Lakers While the Lakers re-signed Jaxson Hayes, a player of Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic’s caliber would undoubtedly be a major upgrade. Moreover, with Vucevic being on the Lakers’ radar for years, it means that the organization rates him highly. Previously, the Bulls didn’t indulge in a trade with the Purple and Gold around Vucevic. It has led to Vucevic’s trade value diminishing so much that he is expected to complete a contract buyout with the Bulls. The Laker Nation would love to sign the 34-year-old, and Luka Doncic can help in this quest. How? Well, Doncic and Vucevic share the same agent in Bill Duffy. This means that if Vucevic completes a buyout, the Lakers could have the upper hand in negotiations. The 2x NBA All-Star has given the last five and a half seasons of his career to the Bulls, but it’s obvious that their time together is about to end sooner rather than later. Adding fuel to the fire were former Orlando Magic star Evan Fournier’s comments. Fournier ridiculed the Bulls while taking a shot at Vucevic after the latter called out his move overseas. Luka Doncic has already proven he can recruit stars Ahead of his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is doing everything in his power to bring back the glory days for the Lakers. He has already undergone a massive transformation to silence his critics. Additionally, Doncic has been actively involved in recruiting players for the Lakers. Smart admitted Doncic was a huge reason behind his decision to sign with the Lakers. Ayton also acknowledged Luka’s role in his decision to join the Purple and Gold. Let’s not forget Ayton also has the same agent as the Slovenian superstar. So, Doncic has already given the inside track for one star; there’s no reason to doubt he would do the same in Vucevic’s case.
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