Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood’s early-season struggles have intensified scrutiny surrounding the program, particularly under first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham. Underwood, who signed a reported four-year, $12 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal after graduating high school as the nation’s top prospect, has yet to consistently meet expectations at the collegiate level.

Underwood’s performance has been marked by inconsistency and turnovers, highlighted by a recent game against Minnesota in which he completed just 101 yards passing and threw two interceptions in a loss. Michigan currently holds a 3-2 record, with Underwood posting a starting record of 12-6 overall but only 1-4 against ranked opponents—a win that came against an Oklahoma team now viewed as overranked. His career touchdown-to-interception ratio stands close, with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Whittingham has indicated that the coaching staff is open to changes, stating that “everything’s in play” as they consider how to move forward amid a demanding fan base and a season that could prove challenging. The coach’s comments come amid growing questions about whether Underwood’s large NIL contract has affected the decision-making around his playtime, contrasting with pre-NIL eras when underperforming athletes might have been benched sooner.

Underwood’s disappointing start is notable given his high school achievements, which included two state championships and nearly 13,000 all-purpose yards alongside 179 touchdowns, making him one of the most decorated prep players in recent Michigan history. Historically, most players ranked No. 1 nationally have performed well in college. The last comparable underperformer was defensive tackle Trenton Thompson in 2015, underscoring the rarity of Underwood’s difficulties.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s schedule still includes challenging matchups against Indiana, Oregon, UCLA, and Ohio State, adding pressure on the Wolverines and their quarterback situation. Whittingham’s inaugural season could be defined by how effectively the team addresses these issues.

In other college football developments, Alabama has emerged as a surprise powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference despite lower preseason expectations. Ranked 13th in the Associated Press preseason poll and predicted to finish sixth in the SEC, Alabama has started 5-0 with dominant performances averaging nearly 29 points per game margin. Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell currently leads an offense that has not scored fewer than 45 points in any game, elevating his status as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Alabama’s defense has also played a significant role, limiting top players like Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor and forcing multiple turnovers. The Crimson Tide’s success sets the stage for a pivotal SEC clash against undefeated Georgia in Tuscaloosa. Georgia, which has faced a relatively easier schedule, along with Texas, remains a preseason favorite, with the winner likely to lead the conference heading into the heart of the season.