zach to school Zach Braziller Bryce Underwood normally would be benched by now — NIL is causing a Michigan dilemma By Zach Braziller Published Oct. 4, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) is sacked by Minnesota defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. (3), left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Abbie Parr Start with a new head coach. Add in a highly paid former top prospect going in the wrong direction. Throw in a demanding fan base staring at another shaky season.
What you get is a combustible situation, made more complex by the large dollars involved with said player.
Before the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) era, Bryce Underwood’s shaky play would’ve resulted in a seat on the bench. Fans would be disappointed. Some criticism would have been sent Underwood’s way.
This is a different era. Players make big bucks, and part of being paid like a professional is being expected to perform like one. So, as Underwood has continued to struggle, the volume has increased for a change, and the dissatisfaction with him has risen.
