Michigan Quarterback Bryce Underwood Shines in Spring Game

New head coach Kyle Whittingham evaluates roster in first public look at Wolverines

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A new era dawns for Michigan football as a young quarterback takes center stage in the team's first spring game under a new head coach.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan football held its first Maize vs. Blue spring game under new head coach Kyle Whittingham on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Michigan Stadium. The event drew over 70,000 spectators and provided Whittingham his first opportunity to evaluate the roster in live action since being hired in January 2026. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, who is competing for the starting job, received significant playing time and impressed with his command of the offense.

Why it matters

The spring game marks the start of a new era for Michigan football under Whittingham, who is tasked with building on the team's 8-4 record in 2025 and returning the program to national prominence. Underwood's performance will be a key factor in determining the starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

The details

Underwood, wearing No. 19, directed the offense for the Maize team during multiple series, showcasing his development since redshirting as a true freshman in 2024 and seeing limited action in 2025. Whittingham, who has 18 seasons of head coaching experience at Utah, used the spring game to assess personnel across both sides of the ball, emphasizing the importance of player development and scheme installation over the final score.

  • The spring game took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Michigan Stadium.
  • Michigan's 2026 season is set to begin in late August with a non-conference opener.

The players

Bryce Underwood

A sophomore quarterback who is competing for the starting job after redshirting as a true freshman in 2024 and seeing limited action in 2025.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football program, with 18 seasons of experience as the head coach at Utah.

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What they’re saying

“This is about getting our guys reps, seeing how they handle adversity, and continuing to build the culture we want. We're not worried about the scoreboard today. We're focused on execution, communication, and getting better with every snap.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach

What’s next

Fall camp for the 2026 season is set to begin in early August, at which point Whittingham and his staff will continue to evaluate the quarterback competition and make a decision on the starting role.

The takeaway

Underwood's strong performance in the spring game has positioned him as a leading candidate to be Michigan's starting quarterback in 2026, as the program looks to build on its progress from the previous season under new leadership. Whittingham's emphasis on player development and culture-building suggests a patient, long-term approach to restoring the Wolverines to national prominence.