BTN's Jake Butt proclaims Bryce Underwood is at another level compared to JJ McCarthy

Big Ten Network analyst and former Michigan Wolverine Jake Butt is astounded by the physical tools freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood possesses. He compared Underwood to JJ McCarthy, whom he reminded viewers was a top 10 pick in his own right, and said there is just no comparison. Butt believes that Underwood could be an incredibly special talent, even saying he could be "Superman" at some point in his career.

From there, Butt became a little more cautious and advised that head coach Sherrone Moore needs to protect his young quarterback, given the strength of Michigan's two-headed monster run game. With Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, the Wolverine offense can keep pressure on opposing defenses by keeping Underwood out of pass obvious downs. Doing this lowers the risk that Underwood makes a mistake, which could damage his confidence. I personally have a hard time believing that Underwood will succumb to the turnover bug, and I also do not think he lacks confidence. Butt makes a valid point, though, which could damage his confidence.

"J.J. McCarthy was a top-10 pick, and I would say Bryce, in terms of his physical talents, is at another level."@Jbooty88 is all in on @UMichFootball QB Bryce Underwood.#B1GToday pic.twitter.com/0zV9B9tCnv
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 26, 2025

Along with their elite running game, the Wolverine coaching staff can control the tempo of the game with their premier defense. This defense is absolutely loaded at every position, and they will be tough to score on. That helps Underwood avoid having to score a large number of points to win games. He can execute the game plan set forth and take what defenses give him. He will have flashes of brilliance, and as the season progresses, I believe he will develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Eighteen years old with the weight of one of the most storied college football programs ever surely on his shoulders, and I do not hesitate to believe Underwood is going to shock any naysayer.

MORE: Ohio State once again shows they are not soft by banning Dave Portnoy from The Shoe

Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Team Maize during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

BTN's Jake Butt proclaims Bryce Underwood is at another level compared to JJ McCarthy

More Michigan News:

Bryce Underwood's NIL payments revealed, trails Carson Beck, tied with Drew Allar

HC Sherrone Moore praises an unheralded lineman, claiming he is "All-Big Ten Caliber"

Michigan defender praises Bryce Underwood elusiveness, excited for nation to see him

Bryce Underwood raises eyebrows with an extremely confident proclamation

Savion Hiter's adviser and mentor calls out "nasty adults" after commitment comments

Fox/CBS Sports Tim Brando eviscerates the NCAA bullies in scathing social media post

Michigan State fans irate on social media as the "hammer" drops on Michigan football

Top five Tom Brady stats that sound completely unreal, but are very much real