Kyle Whittingham officially names Michigan Football’s QB2 for 2026

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The quarterback depth chart behind starter Bryce Underwood has officially been settled.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham announced during his press conference on Monday morning that true freshman Tommy Carr has been named the direct backup quarterback for the 2026 season, giving the Wolverines a clear picture at the position heading into the season opener on Saturday vs Western Michigan (7:36 p.m., NBC).

Carr — a legacy player whose grandfather, Lloyd, is a legendary coach around these parts — arrived in Ann Arbor as part of Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class and has impressed enough during the spring and fall camp to leapfrog his competition at the position. He has added 10 pounds since the spring and is now listed at 195 pounds on the roster heading into his first college season.

This news also means that Carr, despite being a true freshman with zero college game experience, beat veteran Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and others on the depth chart for the QB2 role. It is a significant vote of confidence from Whittingham, offensive coordinator Jason Beck and quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. in a player who has been on campus for a handful of months.

Of course, the hope for Michigan is that Carr never has to take a meaningful snap in 2026. Underwood is firmly entrenched as the starter heading into his sophomore season and has reportedly had a really good fall camp. The goal is to keep him healthy and upright behind what should be an improved offensive line, but knowing there is a capable, trusted option behind him gives the program a level of security at the game’s most important position.

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