Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham gives early teaser on Bryce Underwood usage in 2026

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Bryce Underwood became the latest highly touted quarterback to underwhelm during his freshman campaign, but Michigan football fans are eager to see what he can do in his first season under Kyle Whittingham. Since the 6-foot-4 signal-caller looked uncomfortable for large stretches of 2025, many are wondering if the new coaching staff will better accentuate his talents moving forward. Well, that’s the plan, anyway.

Michigan alum and longtime television/radio host and sportscaster Rich Eisen asked Whittingham if he intends to let Underwood throw on the run more, and the two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year had an intriguing response.

“We’ll move the launch point around and get him out of the pocket,” he told “The Rich Eisen Show” on Monday, per the ESPN College Football X account. “That’s one of the things he’s really good at, is extending the play. And you’re right, to be throwing on the run as accurately as he does, if we didn’t implement that we’d be stupid.”

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Whittingham is a defensive-minded coach who fits Michigan’s hard-nosed identity, but when one has a former No. 1 QB recruit on the roster, they may be inclined to tweak their philosophy a bit. Underwood posted a 60.3 completion percentage with 2,428 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games last season. He rushed for another 392 yards and six scores. A sophomore surge is attainable.

If Kyle Whittingham and the Wolverines are unable to maximize Underwood’s skill set, then Michigan football will have more questions to answer regarding its ability to evolve. A little improvisation could help the Detroit native gain confidence as he tries to develop into a more consistent and balanced quarterback.

Bryce Underwood will have the opportunity to demonstrate his growth in 2026, beginning with a Sept. 5 matchup versus Western Michigan.

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