Michigan Names Bryce Underwood as Starting Quarterback

New head coach Kyle Whittingham says Underwood is 'QB1 without a doubt' heading into spring practice

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:49pm

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In his first season as Michigan's head football coach, Kyle Whittingham has named rising sophomore Bryce Underwood as the team's starting quarterback. Underwood started every game last season as a freshman and Whittingham says he has performed well in workouts and shown strong leadership, making him the clear choice to lead the Wolverines' offense this spring.

Why it matters

Underwood was the nation's top recruit in the 2025 class, and locking him down as Michigan's starting QB was a top priority for Whittingham after taking over the program. His development will be crucial to the Wolverines' success in Whittingham's first year.

The details

Whittingham praised Underwood's athleticism and leadership, saying he is one of four players voted as spring practice captains by the team. The new coaching staff will work to fine-tune Underwood's fundamentals and footwork with quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr., but Whittingham made clear they don't want to limit Underwood's ability to make plays off-script.

  • Michigan football spring practice opens on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The public spring scrimmage at Michigan Stadium is scheduled for April 18, 2026.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

In his first season as the head football coach at the University of Michigan, after 21 seasons as the head coach at the University of Utah.

Bryce Underwood

The rising sophomore quarterback who started every game for Michigan as a freshman in 2025 and is now the clear starter heading into spring practice.

Koy Detmer Jr.

The new quarterbacks coach at Michigan who will be working to fine-tune Underwood's fundamentals and footwork.

Tommy Carr

A freshman quarterback who Whittingham says has stood out so far in winter conditioning and workouts as a potential backup to Underwood.

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What they’re saying

“He's QB1 without a doubt.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Football Coach, University of Michigan (yahoo.com)

“He has performed very well in the in the workouts, and not only with his athleticism, but leadership-wise.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Football Coach, University of Michigan (yahoo.com)

“Bryce has done a nice job of setting the pace.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Football Coach, University of Michigan (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Underwood's development as Michigan's starting quarterback will be crucial to the Wolverines' success in Whittingham's first season as head coach, as the new staff works to fine-tune his skills and leadership while maintaining his ability to make plays off-script.