Kyle Whittingham used Big Ten Media Days to push back on criticism surrounding Utah quarterback Bryce Underwood, defending the former Michigan signal-caller from what he called unrealistic expectations. The problem? Underwood is the one who created those expectations for himself.

Whittingham went out of his way to shield his highly touted quarterback from the scrutiny that followed a rocky 2025 season. At Big Ten Media Days, Whittingham said:

“I think the expectations might have been a little high for him. He had just turned 18 years old as a freshman and was thrust into the starting role. I don’t know what people expected. He won 9 games and put up decent numbers.”

Honestly, that’s a fair thing to say. Freshman quarterbacks are almost never going to immediately dominate in college football, no matter how gifted they are. Underwood had some real struggles in 2025. He completed only 60% of his passes, threw 11 touchdown passes to nine interceptions, and tallied only 392 rushing yards. For one of the highest-rated recruits in the history of college football, that was a little disappointing, but it wasn’t shocking. Starting as an 18-year-old for a massive program is difficult.

Underwood created these expectations himself

The issue here is that Underwood hasn’t exactly tried to lower the temperature this offseason. He called himself the best recruit to ever come out of the state of Michigan. He also told Rich Eisen that he wants to win multiple Heisman Trophies and at least one national championship. He even told LeBron James that the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State was over for the Buckeyes.

Those are not comments from someone asking people to be patient. Those are comments from someone inviting massive expectations. When a player publicly sets the bar that high, a coach stepping in to tell the public to temper their outlook creates a disconnect. It’s difficult to argue that expectations were too lofty when the quarterback himself is the one raising them at every turn.

The talent is real, but so is the contradiction

To be clear, I’m rooting for Underwood. I have been one of the people who has constantly defended him. I believe in his talent. I think he could be the next Cam Newton. But we have to be real here. Whittingham can’t be defending Underwood from his own comments.

If Underwood wants to talk like a generational player, the scrutiny that comes with falling short of that standard is part of the deal. Whittingham would be better served channeling that energy into developing Underwood’s game rather than shielding him from criticism he invited. Hopefully, Underwood takes a massive leap in 2025 and backs up every bold claim he’s made, because the talent is certainly there to do it.