David Pollack Compares Young College Football QB to Cam Newton

The 2026 college football season is still months away, but new coaching staffs across the country are beginning to take shape during spring practices. That includes the Michigan Wolverines, who enter the offseason with a new head coach and a promising young quarterback.

Kyle Whittingham took over the program after replacing Sherrone Moore. Whittingham arrives after a 22-year tenure with the Utah Utes, where he compiled a 177-88 record and built Utah into a consistent contender. His experience brings stability to a program looking to maintain national relevance.

As spring practices continue, Whittingham has been particularly encouraged by quarterback Bryce Underwood. The former No. 1 overall recruit and five-star prospect delivered a strong true freshman season, throwing for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

He also added 392 rushing yards and six touchdowns, helping lead Michigan to a 9-4 record. His dual-threat ability has quickly become a focal point of the offense.

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) throws the ball. | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Whittingham offered high praise when discussing Underwood’s potential, comparing him to former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

"You know, he kind of reminds me of Cam Newton, which I didn't have a chance to coach or be around," Whittingham said. "As far as his charisma, his stature, big dude, 6'4 plus, 230 pounds, live arm, great athlete, flashes that smile a lot like Cam did. That's probably the guy that comes to mind mostly, but no, the quarterbacks we've had, I haven't had anybody that is quite of this skillset."

The comparison highlights both Underwood’s physical tools and the expectations surrounding his development. College football analyst David Pollack addressed the comparison on his podcast "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack," noting similarities while also pointing out key differences.

"Last year, I compared him to Cam Newton as well," Pollack said. "It's hard to compare him to other people that aren't superhuman freakazoids because the dude is big, strong, athletic. Like he's chiseled. His body type, like, there's not a lot of comparisons there."

While the comparison draws attention, it also underscores the rarity of Newton’s physical profile. Underwood is listed at 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds on Michigan’s official roster. By comparison, Newton was listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds during his championship season with the Auburn Tigers.

Despite those differences, the stylistic similarities remain evident. Both quarterbacks possess strong arms, mobility and the ability to extend plays, traits that can place pressure on opposing defenses.

For Michigan, Underwood’s continued development will be one of the most important factors heading into the 2026 season. If he takes a step forward in efficiency and decision-making, the Wolverines could emerge as a contender in the College Football Playoff.

While comparisons to Newton set a high bar, Underwood’s trajectory will ultimately be defined by his own growth and performance. How he builds on his freshman season will determine both Michigan’s ceiling and his long-term impact on the program.