Desmond Howard reacts to Bryce Underwood, John Mateer debut in preview of Michigan-OU matchup

Monday night wraps up Week 1 of the college football season. Looking ahead, the biggest game of the week resides in Norman. The Oklahoma Sooners will welcome the Michigan Wolverines, a showdown between two massive brands in the sport.

The two quarterbacks will provide headlines leading into the weekend after both made their respective debuts. ESPN’s Desmond Howard got to see Michigan’s Bryce Underwood in person against New Mexico, coming away with glowing reviews. As talented as Underwood is, Howard still found himself impressed with how a true freshman looked.

“I was at the Michigan game two nights ago,” Howard said at halftime of North Carolina-TCU. “Watched Bryce Underwood, his first start. I mean, he looks the part. Played extremely well, looked under control for a freshman, a true freshman. Very poised. Loved the way he threw the ball.”

Underwood played high school football at Belleville (MI), where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The one game of experience in Underwood’s back pocket is far less than what John Mateer brings to the table. Oklahoma snagged Mateer out of the NCAA transfer portal this offseason from Washington State. One of the more sought-after players out there, the Sooners are hoping Mateer can deliver in a big way for the program.

Given he was at the Michigan game on Saturday, Howard did not get to watch Mateer’s first game in an Oklahoma uniform against Illinois State. However, based on his performances at Washington State, he believes a tough day is ahead for the Michigan defense.

“I watched Mateer a year ago,” Howard said. “He was probably one of the top quarterbacks in the portal. A legitimate dual-threat quarterback. He’s going to bring a lot to that Oklahoma offense, probably attempt to give Wink Martindale fits on Michigan’s defense.”

Mateer completed 30 of his 37 passes against Illinois State, throwing for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Of course, Michigan will be a different level of defense after going up against an FCS opponent. But Oklahoma folks have to be pleased with the early-season performance.

How he matches up against the true freshman may determine who winds up winning on Saturday. Howard will be there to take the whole thing in alongside the entire ESPN College GameDay crew.