​Much was made of Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s true freshman season in 2025, especially his 60.3 percent completion rate. A deeper look at the numbers, however, shows that Michigan’s receivers didn’t do him many favors. The Wolverines’ ball catchers dropped 29 passes last year, and if those drops had been catches, Underwood’s completion percentage would have climbed to 69 percent. While his first college season was far from flawless, a near-70 percent mark would have been impressive, and a bit more good luck could have shaped perceptions of his accuracy.
Looking ahead, the question is whether Underwood will enjoy improved fortune and a more reliable receiving corps in 2026. Optimism exists that the answer is yes. Semaj Morgan, who led Michigan with eight drops last season and spent too much time on the field contributing little, has transferred to UCLA, removing one frequent source of unreliability. In contrast, Andrew Marsh enjoyed a breakout freshman year, elevating from a reserve to the team’s primary target. The chemistry between Underwood and Marsh is evident, with Marsh recording no drops last season and entering 2026 as Michigan’s WR1.
The Wolverines also added notable new talent at wide receiver, including Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench and Utah transfer JJ Buchanan. Ffrench arrives as a former four-star recruit, while Buchanan became a key contributor in his freshman year at Utah, posting 26 receptions for 427 yards and five touchdowns. Additionally, true freshman Salesi Moa has earned glowing reviews since arriving in the program.
There is reason to believe fewer drops will plague this group under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Jason Beck and new receivers coach Micah Simon. Beck plans to run a more spread-oriented offense that emphasizes multiple four-receiver sets, expanding the playmaking window for the receiving corps. Michigan ranked No. 104 in passing efficiency last season, but the implementation of fresh concepts in the passing game could be a game changer for the receivers and Underwood alike.
“I feel great about it, to be honest,” Andrew Marsh said about the passing game. “Moving forward this year, I feel like there’s so much freedom—route running and conceptually I really feel like every five guys on a team can be an option each play.” For Underwood, a five-star prospect who was the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, reaching his ceiling will require both personal refinement and a competent, dependable supporting cast.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham echoed that sentiment in the offseason, emphasizing the need to unlock Underwood’s full potential. “It’s important we get him playing to his potential, and he’s got a ton of it, I can tell you that right now,” Whittingham said. “His toolbox is absolutely incredible with his size, strength, and speed. We’ve got to make sure we get him dialed in.” With a improved surrounding cast, a more varied and accurate passing attack, and a coaching staff dedicated to reducing drops, the outlook for Underwood and Michigan’s aerial game in 2026 is decidedly more optimistic.