Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) is sacked by Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97). Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan QB Bryce Underwood makes 2026 transfer portal decision

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 7, 2026 12:26 AM ET

Bryce Underwood has made his decision regarding the 2026 season.

The rising-sophomore quarterback and former 5-star recruit spent his freshman season with the Michigan Wolverines. He's going to spend 2026 with Michigan as well.

Despite the turmoil surrounding the firing of Sherrone Moore and the uncertainties with new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Underwood has decided that he won't be hitting the transfer portal as this new era of Michigan football begins.

Bryce Underwood looking forward to Kyle Whittingham era

The former top overall recruit in the 2025 class announced the decision himself on social media.

Looking back on it, it's not all that surprising that he made this decision, because he did seem intrigued by the hiring of Whittingham.

“Very excited to figure out what kind of guy he is,” Underwood said, according to Wolverines Wire, after the hire was made. “I don’t really know too much about him. I’m just excited to figure out what kind of guy he is.”

pic.twitter.com/XehoEGm02D
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) January 6, 2026

Underwood clearly liked what he saw out of Whittingham, and it makes sense.

Kyle Whittingham and Bryce Underwood to lead Michigan Wolverines in 2026

A 66-year-old veteran head coach and established winner, Whittingham coached at Utah since 2004, and he accumulated a 177-88 overall record with an 11-6 mark in bowl games.

Whittingham should provide some stability to Michigan over the next few seasons, and having Underwood returning at quarterback will help, too.

This is going to be a big offseason for the former 5-star, though, because his freshman season was full of ups and downs. Underwood threw for 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 392 yards and six touchdowns. With that said, he threw nine interceptions, and he did not look good against the three ranked teams Michigan played this season.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: