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Underwood’s Wolverines Comments Fuel Transfer Speculation
Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood has stirred up a hornet’s nest of speculation regarding his future in Ann Arbor after his recent comments on the Wolverines’ new head coach, Kyle Whittingham. His decision to refer to the team in the third person has fans and analysts alike wondering if a departure might be on the horizon.
The Big Ten powerhouse officially welcomed the 66-year-old Whittingham this week, signing him to a five-year deal reportedly worth $8.2 million annually. This move comes on the heels of the December 10th firing of former head coach Sherrone Moore.
Whittingham, who brings 21 seasons of experience from the Utah Utes, is set to make his Michigan debut next week at the Citrus Bowl against No. 13 Texas.
The game, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31st, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, offers a crucial opportunity for Whittingham to make a strong first impression and for the Wolverines to rebound after their regular-season finale loss to arch-rivals Ohio State.
While the excitement surrounding Whittingham’s arrival and the upcoming bowl game is palpable, a shadow of doubt has been cast over Underwood’s long-term commitment. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Underwood expressed “excitement” about meeting his new coach. However, his choice of words immediately raised eyebrows.
“I was actually pretty excited,” Underwood stated, referring to Whittingham’s hiring. “Really excited to see what he does for the University of Michigan.”
The subtle shift from “us” or “we” to “the University of Michigan” has not gone unnoticed by the fanbase. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with many interpreting it as a potential hint at a future transfer.
One user on X pointed out, “‘The University of Michigan’ instead of ‘us.’ Oh he’s gone,” while another simply wrote, “Interesting comments.”
This isn’t the first time an athlete’s third-person reference has sparked such rumors. Just days prior, Travis Kelce used similar phrasing when discussing teammate Patrick Mahomes’ injury on his “New Heights” podcast, referring to the Chiefs in the third person.
Underwood, an 18-year-old former five-star recruit, has had a standout freshman year for the Wolverines. He started all 12 games at quarterback, concluding the regular season with 2,229 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions.
He also contributed significantly on the ground, with 74 carries for 323 yards and five rushing touchdowns. His impressive performance only amplifies the concerns now being voiced by fans.
As the Citrus Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Underwood, not just for his performance on the field, but for any further clues regarding his future in Ann Arbor.