Dave Portnoy declares Bryce Underwood will be a 'Hall of Fame quarterback'

Dave Portnoy isn’t tempering his expectations for Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood‘s career. During an appearance on Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule‘s new podcast, House Rhules, Portnoy revealed his lofty expectations for Underwood’s future.

“I just love this kid,” Portnoy said. “I think this guy’s like a Hall of Fame quarterback. I think he’s got it all. And that’s not just because I played a factor in recruiting him. The throws he’s made, he’s got like a laser on his arm. He’s so fast, but he’s gonna run the ball. So, we’ll see, but I don’t want conservative play calling.”

Rhule will have to deal with Underwood’s spectacular talents this weekend. On Saturday, Nebraska is hosting No. 21 Michigan. There will be no shortage of attention on Underwood after he exploded in Michigan’s 63-3 blowout win over Central Michigan last week.

In the victory, Underwood completed 16-of-his-25 pass attempts for 235 yards and a touchdown, while throwing one interception. Underwood was even more impressive in the ground, rushing for a team-high 114 yards and two touchdowns.

It was a stunning turnaround in the ground game for Underwood, who finished Michigan’s first two games with negative rushing yards. It’s no surprise Portnoy is gushing over the 18-year-old QB.

Portnoy reportedly played a significant role in Michigan’s recruitment of Underwood, in combination with billionaire Larry Ellison. Underwood was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Michigan fans aren’t the only ones in awe of Underwood’s talent. Earlier this season, former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer raved about Underwood.

“I went back and watched every snap,” Meyer said. “My God, I mean, that’s a junior in college, and he’s really not. His physical presence is Cam Newton-ish. His size, his athleticism — I mean, spectacular.

“Day 1, he might be that guy that walks on campus — like when I had Percy Harvin — you’re just like, ‘That’s an absolute freak. Get him ready to play as fast you can.’ I’ve heard that about him. Now, that you saw it in person, that’s legit.”

Bryce Underwood won’t be the only talented QB on the field Saturday. Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola will look to outshine Underwood in the matchup. While many freshmen would be nervous with so many eyes on them, Underwood is simply trying to enjoy the experience.

“Just remember that I’m blessed and thanking God for the position I’m in, because no matter what, we wouldn’t be in this position without God,” Underwood said. “I prayed for moments like this, prayed for the strength — the mental strength, the physical strength — to be the best and perform the best I possibly can.”