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'Vince Young Clone' Predicted to Snatch a Win vs. USC, Insider Predicts

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 3:47 PM ET

USC Trojans fans would love to forget the name Vince Young. Especially since it was Young who denied USC an unprecedented third straight national title with Texas back in 2006.

But a "Vince Young clone" is predicted to steal a win over the 2025 Trojans, one insider boldly predicted Monday.

Los Angeles Times USC insider Ryan Kartje unveiled his list of game-by-game picks for this season. Including determining if USC will indeed crash the College Football Playoff party this time. Or contend for the Big Ten championship for the first time ever.

Kartje predicts a bowl season for USC, which fans can welcome. However, he's visualizing one highly-anticipated newcomer to beat the Trojans: New Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, who was recently named the Wolverines' opening day starter. Here's what Kartje said about USC's future chances against Michigan.

"We know that Michigan will have a top-tier defense, but on offense, so much rides on a relative unknown, albeit one with a rocket right arm. True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood looks the part of a Vince Young clone, but will he be able to handle a hostile atmosphere and keep his composure?" Kartje asked first.

Kartje continued with: "Michigan will have already faced Oklahoma (at home) and Nebraska (in Lincoln) by this point, so this isn’t Underwood’s first rodeo on the road. The Coliseum will be rocking, and USC will be eager to avenge last season’s loss. But the Trojans offensive line will struggle to stay intact. And in a grind-it-out kind of game, I favor Michigan and its defensive front."

He believes this VY-type QB will pull off a Young and break USC's hearts. Michigan is expected to play for a bowl game this season. But the Wolverines rarely play true freshmen behind center. So Underwood's situation already becomes far different than what Young faced nearly two decades ago. The Longhorns legend was already a veteran star for Texas.

Meanwhile, Kartje predicts an 8-4 campaign for the Trojans and Lincoln Riley.

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

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