Michigan Football Players to Sit Out Spring Game

Coach Whittingham expects some key starters to rest during annual exhibition match.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:46pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue and yellow, depicting fragmented and overlapping views of a Michigan football game or practice, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport through an abstract, deconstructed visual style.Michigan's spring game will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team's depth and identify potential breakout contributors for the upcoming season.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan football is nearing the end of its spring practice schedule, with 10 sessions already completed and only 4 remaining before the annual spring game. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has indicated that some of the team's notable starters will likely sit out the exhibition match to allow the coaching staff to get an in-depth look at the second and third-string players.

Why it matters

The spring game provides an important opportunity for Michigan to evaluate its depth and develop younger players on the roster. By resting key starters, the coaching staff can focus on assessing the team's overall talent and identifying potential breakout contributors for the upcoming season.

The details

Whittingham stated that the main goal of the spring game is to give the coaching staff an extended look at the second and third-string players on the roster. This will allow them to thoroughly evaluate the team's depth and identify any potential surprises or rising stars that could earn more playing time in the fall.

  • Michigan football is roughly two-thirds of the way through its spring practice schedule, having completed 10 sessions with 4 remaining.
  • The annual Michigan football spring game is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

The head coach of the Michigan football team.

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What they’re saying

“The main thrust is, a great chance for us to get a good in depth, concentrated look at the twos and threes.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach

What’s next

The Michigan football team will continue its spring practice schedule over the next few weeks, leading up to the annual spring game exhibition.

The takeaway

By resting key starters during the spring game, the Michigan coaching staff is prioritizing player evaluation and development of the team's depth, which could pay dividends in the upcoming season.