Jon Gruden Saw Michigan Football Practice Bryce Underwood Interaction Revealed
Jon Gruden saw Michigan football practice Bryce Underwood in December 2024, and it’s a bigger deal than most fans realise.
As a Michigan football insider, I’ve seen plenty of high-profile visitors over the years, but this one hits different.
Let me break down why this matters and what it could mean for the Wolverines’ future.
When Jon Gruden Watched Bryce Underwood: The Practice Visit Details
The Super Bowl-winning coach didn’t come alone to Ann Arbor.
He showed up with current Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles while the team prepared for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama.
What did Gruden think of what he saw?
His exact words: “Coach Moore runs a great practice!”
Coming from a man with Gruden’s pedigree, that six-word assessment carries serious weight for new head coach Sherrone Moore, who had recently been promoted following Jim Harbaugh’s departure.
But the most telling moment wasn’t just Gruden watching from the sidelines.
He actively participated in a “haka-style moment” with Michigan quarterbacks, including Underwood, Davis Warren and Jadyn Davis.
This wasn’t just observation—it was engagement that showed Gruden’s genuine interest in connecting with the players.
The Michigan coaching staff welcomed the external evaluation, showing their confidence in what they’re building post-Harbaugh.
Who Is Bryce Underwood? Michigan’s Quarterback Phenom
If you’re not familiar with Underwood yet, get ready to hear this name constantly:
- Consensus #1 overall recruit in the nation (Class of 2025)
- Ranked as the sixth-highest rated QB recruit of the 21st century by 247Sports
- Initially committed to LSU before flipping to Michigan in a highly publicized recruitment battle
- Early enrollee who joined practices in December 2024
- Michigan native who chose his home-state programme after intense recruiting from multiple top schools
His recruitment saga shocked the college football world when he flipped from LSU to Michigan, a massive win for the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts.
His teammates are already buzzing about his potential.
EDGE rusher TJ Guy commented on Underwood’s impressive physical stature and throwing talent, saying he was blown away by what he saw in early practices.
Quarterback Davis Warren highlighted the freshman’s dedication and competitive nature.
Underwood himself has set ambitious goals—multiple Heisman trophies and leading Michigan to a national championship. This self-belief isn’t just talk; his early practice performances have teammates genuinely excited.
Gruden’s QB Expertise: Why His Opinion Matters
Before joining Barstool Sports, Gruden was famous for his quarterback development skills.
His “Gruden’s QB Camp” series became a pre-draft institution where he evaluated the top quarterback prospects.
As a Super Bowl-winning coach who built his reputation on offensive innovation and quarterback development, his presence at Michigan’s practice wasn’t accidental.
Gruden has an eye for quarterback talent that few can match, having worked with some of the best in the business.
While he didn’t offer a public assessment of Underwood specifically, the fact that he engaged directly with the quarterbacks speaks volumes.
For Underwood, this brief interaction with a quarterback guru like Gruden provides invaluable exposure to NFL-level thinking early in his college career.
Why Gruden’s Visit Matters for Michigan Football Recruitment
When Jon Gruden saw Michigan football practice with Bryce Underwood, it created ripple effects beyond just one afternoon.
Here’s why this matters:
- Credibility boost – Gruden’s approval gives instant credibility to Moore’s coaching approach
- NFL connection – Shows recruits that Michigan attracts attention from the highest levels of football
- Media exposure – Gruden’s role with Barstool Sports extends Michigan’s reach to younger audiences
- Quarterback development signal – Known for his QB expertise, Gruden’s interest suggests Underwood’s in good hands
- Recruiting advantage – Future prospects take notice when NFL legends show interest in a programme
The visit represents something bigger—a shift in how college football recruitment works today, where media influence and NFL connections play increasingly important roles.
Inside the Practice: What Actually Happened That Day
The December 2024 practice wasn’t just any session—it was one of Underwood’s first with the team after enrolling early.
Videos from the practice showed Underwood’s impressive arm strength that immediately turned heads.
The practice featured intense drills focused on preparation for Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, but coaches also dedicated time to developing younger players like Underwood.
The quarterbacks room, including Warren and Davis, welcomed Underwood into the fold despite knowing his elite status might threaten their playing time.
Moore ran an organised, high-energy practice that clearly impressed Gruden enough to offer his public praise.
The “haka-style moment” that Gruden joined wasn’t just for show—it demonstrated the team chemistry Moore is building and the inclusive culture that’s developing.
Underwood showed flashes of the talent that made him the nation’s top recruit, but also displayed the humility to learn from veteran players and coaches.
The NIL Factor: How Michigan Secured Their Top Quarterback
Let’s talk about what everyone whispers about but few discuss openly.
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities reportedly played a massive role in Underwood’s decision.
Sources suggest significant financial packages were offered, with contributions potentially coming from:
- Billionaire Larry Ellison
- Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy
This isn’t your dad’s college football recruitment anymore.
The reported NIL package for Underwood was substantial enough to compete with offers from other major programmes, showing Michigan’s commitment to being competitive in this new landscape.
Michigan’s willingness to engage in this new environment secured them the nation’s top prospect.
It’s a new game, and Michigan appears ready to play it, leveraging both traditional recruiting strengths and embracing the NIL era.
What This Means for Michigan’s Post-Harbaugh Era
Moore inherits a programme with championship expectations after Harbaugh led them to recent success.
Underwood represents the future—potentially competing for the starting job as a true freshman, with teammates already impressed by his early showings.
Gruden’s visit signals Michigan remains relevant nationally despite the coaching change.
The Wolverines are positioning themselves as a programme that can:
- Attract elite talent
- Connect players with NFL opportunities
- Maintain championship aspirations
- Navigate the NIL landscape successfully
- Build on their recent success rather than rebuild
What we’re seeing is the dawn of a new era in Ann Arbor where high-profile recruits like Underwood and high-profile visitors like Gruden become the norm, not the exception.
FAQs About Jon Gruden Saw Michigan Football Practice Bryce Underwood
Did Jon Gruden give a formal evaluation of Bryce Underwood?
No public statements from Gruden offered a detailed analysis of Underwood’s skills or performance during practice, though his participation in activities with the quarterbacks showed his engagement.
Why was Gruden in Michigan?
Gruden was likely in the area for Barstool-related activities surrounding the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, making it convenient to visit Michigan’s practice.
Is Gruden connected to Michigan’s coaching staff?
No formal connection exists, but his presence alongside Bowles suggests professional relationships within football circles, possibly through their shared Tampa Bay Buccaneers history.
When will Bryce Underwood potentially start for Michigan?
While nothing is guaranteed, there are already expectations that Underwood could compete for the starting quarterback position as a true freshman in the upcoming season.
How did Underwood perform during the practice Gruden attended?
While specific performance details weren’t widely reported, teammates have given positive feedback about Underwood’s physical attributes and potential, with several noting his impressive arm strength and quick grasp of concepts.
The Future Looks Bright in Ann Arbor
Michigan football sits at a critical juncture.
With a new coach, a generational quarterback talent, and the eyes of football royalty upon them, expectations couldn’t be higher.
What happens next will define the programme for years to come.
Will Underwood live up to the hype?
Can Moore build on the foundation Harbaugh established?
Time will tell, but one thing’s certain—when Jon Gruden saw Michigan football practice Bryce Underwood, he witnessed the beginning of Michigan’s next chapter.
