Mel Kiper claims 'something's wrong' if Bryce Underwood does not end up being a No. 1 pick

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood has only played in four college games. Despite that, he’s already found himself being widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in college football. He’s been so impressive that some are even looking ahead to his NFL Draft future.

Among those looking ahead to the NFL Draft is Mel Kiper Jr. The long-time analyst was in the middle of a segment on Justice Haynes when he got sidetracked by Bryce Underwood. There, he advocated for Underwood to be a future first overall pick.

“Underwood, I’ll say it now,” Mel Kiper said. “I said it about Stafford. If Underwood’s not the No. 1 pick in the draft somewhere down the road, something is wrong. This kid looks like he could be the real deal Bryce Underwood at Michigan.”

Bryce Underwood was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2025 out of Belleville in Michigan. He was the top-ranked recruit overall and, of course, the top-ranked quarterback in that recruiting cycle. That makes him a true freshman who does have some time before he’s even eligible to enter the NFL Draft, giving plenty of time for things to change. It just goes to show the potential Mel Kiper sees in his game.

Mel Kiper isn’t the only analyst who’s taken note of Bryce Underwood. Joey Galloway also recently shared some praise, comparing him favorably to Arch Manning, who is also expected at some point to be a high draft pick.

“Now they have Bryce Underwood, who — let me say this. When I watch him play, he is better than Arch Manning right now. We’ve had a thousand conversations… His timing. Now, that doesn’t mean, because I know people are going to look at that and say, ‘Well, he only threw for 105 yards.’ I’m looking at talent. I’m looking at skill,” Galloway said.

“More importantly, I’m looking at timing when he throws the ball. Which when you talk about a kid’s ability to go from college to the NFL, timing is the biggest issue for all of them. How quickly I have to get the ball out of my hands because my receiver was open and now he’s not. Or he’s going to be open. He’s not going to throw it, trusting he’s going to be there. That’s the difference. This kid here, when I watch him play, and then you add in the swagger he has. It’s not too big for him. It’s like, ‘Hey, we’re in Lincoln, Nebraska. Don’t worry about nothing. We got this.’ It’s helpful to have a run game like that, but he’s been fun to watch. I think he’s been really good.”

Bryce Underwood is completing 56.9 percent of passes for 733 yards and two touchdowns to one interception. He’s also rushing for 169 yards and three touchdowns.

Michigan is set to take on Wisconsin next. For Underwood, that’s another opportunity for him to grow his legend as a freshman quarterback at Michigan.