CBS Sports analysis places Michigan QB Bryce Underwood among worst affected by receiver drops in 2025
Underwood ranks second only to Appalachian State's AJ Swann in a list of quarterbacks hindered by drops, though his tenure at Utah featured a markedly lower error rate.
A recent analysis by CBS Sports has identified Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood as the second-worst quarterback in the 2025 season negatively impacted by receiver drops. The report places him behind only Appalachian State's AJ Swann, suggesting that Underwood's statistical output would have improved significantly had his intended targets successfully caught the ball.
The assessment highlights a stark contrast between Underwood's current performance and his time at Utah, where he previously featured a much lower drop percentage of 1.53%. According to the data compiled by the outlet, if Underwood had completed an additional 5.5 per cent of his passes that were on target, his drop-adjusted completion percentage would have been estimated at 65.8 per cent. This theoretical adjustment would have yielded approximately 2,549 adjusted yards, although the source explicitly notes that this average cannot be reliably ascertained.
The analysis points to significant internal struggles within the Michigan receiving corps as a primary factor. Receiver Semaj Morgan was cited as dropping passes frequently, while Channing Goodwin was benched in favour of Andrew Marsh due to inconsistency. These issues contributed to a broader debate regarding Underwood's mechanical accuracy versus external factors, with comparisons drawn to Texas quarterback Arch Manning who also underperformed partly due to receiver problems.
In comparison to Underwood, the report notes that other quarterbacks fared better in terms of ball security. Ohio State's Julian Sayin recorded the fewest drops at 1.18 per cent, with national champion Fernando Mendoza trailing slightly behind at 1.19 per cent. The disparity underscores the extent to which the Wolverines' offensive efficiency was compromised by the failure of receivers to catch the football once it left Underwood's hand.
To address the mechanical issues identified in the review, Underwood is currently training with NFL quarterback trainer Jordan Palmer. While this training aims to improve his delivery and accuracy, the report emphasises that a major component of his success will require his receivers to ensure they come down with catchable balls. The coaching staff previously oversaw the quarterback-wider receiver combination at Utah with greater efficiency, suggesting that a similar alignment may be necessary for improvement.
The findings emerge amidst a wider offseason debate regarding Underwood's capabilities, which intensified following his performance in the spring game. While some observers have questioned his suitability compared to true freshman Tommy Carr, the CBS Sports analysis suggests that the quarterback's statistical limitations were largely a function of bad luck rather than a complete inability to execute.
