Michigan Football Shifts to Shorter, High-Tempo Practices

Head coach Kyle Whittingham aims to keep players fresh with more efficient workouts.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Michigan football practice, with players, footballs, and field markings fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant maize and blue colors.Michigan's new high-tempo, efficiency-focused practices aim to keep players fresh and engaged as the team installs new schemes.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham has implemented a new practice philosophy this spring, focusing on high-tempo, execution-based sessions that are shorter in duration compared to previous years. Whittingham believes this approach keeps players fresher and more engaged throughout the practice period.

Why it matters

Whittingham's changes come as the Wolverines install new offensive and defensive schemes, aiming to build chemistry and discipline ahead of the upcoming season. The shift in practice format reflects a broader trend in college football towards more efficient, player-friendly workouts.

The details

Practices under Whittingham are now 'execution based' and 'high tempo,' according to returning offensive lineman Blake Frazier. The team spends less time on the field but packs in more focused work. Whittingham says the goal is to 'get the players on and off the field' quickly while still accomplishing the necessary training.

  • Michigan is currently two-thirds through its 15 spring practices, with the spring game scheduled for April 18.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

The head football coach at the University of Michigan, implementing new practice philosophies this spring.

Blake Frazier

A returning starting offensive lineman for the Wolverines, who has noticed the changes in practice format under Whittingham.

Bryce Underwood

Michigan's returning starting quarterback, who is getting intensive work this spring as the team installs new schemes.

Tommy Carr

An early enrollee freshman quarterback who has stood out and is currently projected as the backup to Underwood.

Micah Ka'apana

A reserve running back who will miss the 2026 season due to a lower-body injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a lot more focus on getting more work done in less time. Less taxing on the body but still making sure we're getting as much work done and work at the things we need during that time.”

— Blake Frazier, Returning starting offensive lineman

“I don't believe in being on the practice field for hours and hours. I mean, the work is the work, and you gotta put it in. It's gotta get done. But if you can be more efficient and get it done in a more compressed amount of time, get the players on and off the field, I think — at least that's my feeling through the years — that works best and keeps the players fresher.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Football Coach

What’s next

The Wolverines will hold their annual spring game on April 18, where Whittingham plans to give extended playing time to the team's backups and younger players as the coaching staff evaluates depth heading into the summer.

The takeaway

Whittingham's shift to shorter, high-intensity practices reflects a broader trend in college football towards more efficient, player-friendly workouts. By compressing the same amount of work into less time, the Wolverines aim to keep players fresh and focused as they install new schemes and build team chemistry.