Michigan QB Tommy Carr Emerges as Threat to Starter Bryce Underwood

Freshman sensation Carr shines in spring game, raising questions about the Wolverines' QB1 spot

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:40pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback in motion, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic and uncertain nature of the quarterback competition.The battle for Michigan's starting quarterback job has become a complex, multi-faceted competition that could define the Wolverines' 2026 season.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham named Bryce Underwood as the Wolverines' starting quarterback for 2026, but freshman Tommy Carr had an impressive spring game performance that has many wondering if a true quarterback battle is brewing in Ann Arbor. Underwood, the nation's top recruit in 2025, struggled at times last season, while Carr, the grandson of legendary coach Lloyd Carr, showed poise and playmaking ability that has the coaching staff excited about his potential.

Why it matters

Michigan is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and reclaim its spot as a Big Ten and national title contender. The quarterback position is crucial to that effort, and the competition between Underwood and Carr could have major implications for the Wolverines' success in 2026.

The details

Underwood, who flipped from LSU to Michigan as the nation's top recruit in 2025, finished his true freshman campaign with 2,428 passing yards and 17 total touchdowns. Despite his elite pedigree, he struggled with consistency, posting a 78 rating in the PFSN College Football QB Impact Metric and throwing nine interceptions. In the spring game, Underwood completed just 3 of 9 passes for 22 yards, raising concerns about his progress. Conversely, Carr dazzled the crowd by completing 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards and leading a last-minute touchdown drive to secure a 7-6 win.

  • Michigan held its spring game on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Underwood and Carr are preparing for the 2026 college football season.

The players

Bryce Underwood

Michigan's starting quarterback, who was the nation's top recruit in 2025 but struggled with consistency as a true freshman.

Tommy Carr

A freshman quarterback at Michigan and the grandson of legendary coach Lloyd Carr, who had an impressive spring game performance and is emerging as a threat to Underwood's starting job.

Kyle Whittingham

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who has named Underwood the starting quarterback but has also praised Carr's rapid development.

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What they’re saying

“Bryce is our starter right now and that's not any different after today. Tommy has really made strides and really has a great pocket presence and escapability. He can extend plays, keeps his eyes downfield. All the things that you look for in a big-time quarterback, I believe Tommy possesses.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“Saw them call a couple QB runs for Tommy Carr and he showed he is a legit threat. Really good feel for extending plays and scrambling. Nice catchable ball.”

— Sam Webb, Analyst

What’s next

The Wolverines will continue to monitor the quarterback competition between Underwood and Carr throughout the summer and into fall camp, with the starting job still up for grabs.

The takeaway

The battle between Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr for Michigan's starting quarterback job is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 college football season. Underwood's struggles as a true freshman and Carr's impressive spring game performance have created an open competition that could have major implications for the Wolverines' success.