"UP TOPPP": Michigan signee Bryce Underwood shares his reaction to the Wolverines' victory over Alabama at the ReliaQuest Bowl

Byrce Underwood and Michigan capped an eventful season with an amazing 19-13 victory over Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday. Their win thrilled fans and players alike and Wolverines signee Underwood celebrated the win on Instagram.

He tagged teammate Fredrick Moore and humorously posted:

“FREDDDD 😂✌🏽🤟🏽, TOOK EEM UP TOPPP”

Image via Ig@19bryce.__

The Wolverines leaned heavily on their ground game, with freshman Jordan Marshall rushing 23 times for a career-high 100 yards. His efforts earned him game MVP honors in his first career start.

Fredrick Moore also played a pivotal role, tallying three catches for 37 yards, including a touchdown and two crucial first-down receptions. Michigan's ability to dominate time of possession proved critical, as it held the ball for 16 minutes more than Alabama.

The Wolverines’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, delivered a masterclass in pressuring Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, recording five sacks. Martindale’s aggressive blitz packages culminated in a decisive fourth-down stop at Michigan’s 15-yard line, sealing the game with under a minute remaining.

"Think about the fourth down stops, too, and that's six turnovers," Martindale said to the Free Press. "These kids are outstanding."

Backup Alex Orji stepped in to lead the offense despite losing quarterback Davis Warren to a knee injury in the third quarter. Meanwhile, freshman Jadyn Davis awaited his opportunity, overshadowed by the signing of Bryce Underwood, the gem of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class.

With this victory, Michigan (8-5) made history as the first team to defeat Alabama twice in one calendar year, solidifying their reputation as relentless underdogs.

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Bryce Underwood and Keene Battle for QB role, Marshall sets championship expectations

The competition features incoming freshman phenom Bryce Underwood and graduate transfer Mikey Keene. The latter is a veteran of 39 games across four seasons at UCF and Fresno State and brings a wealth of experience.

"Mikey has been a great addition," Moore said. "Just the talks I've already had with him. He's excited to push Bryce, really excited to try and go challenge for that starting spot. It's not given, someone's going to have to go earn it."

On the field, freshman Jordan Marshall gave Michigan fans a reason to cheer in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

His performance earned him game MVP honors and showcased his potential as a cornerstone for the Wolverines' offense. After this, he has set expectations for Bryce Underwood and left a message for him.

"I told Bryce (Underwood) right when we walked into the locker room, I was like, 'This isn't happening again,'" Marshall said. "We're not playing (in the ReliaQuest Bowl), we're playing for the chip. We're playing for the whole thing, the natty. That's what we want."

With a career completion rate of 67.8% (793-of-1,170) alongside 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions, Keene is ready to challenge Underwood for the top spot.