Kyle Whittingham knows one thing and one thing only, and that is to win at Ann Arbor. The veteran head coach, who has been a part of college football for three decades, puts his players on notice, and more specifically, his quarterback, Bryce Underwood. 

Talking on The Blue Print Podcast, Whittingham gave his take on the players and his responsibility in their success.

“You paid that guy for a reason, and drafted him in that spot for a reason because of the ceiling he might have, and so you better exhaust every single possible way to get that guy better and make sure that, or at least try to ensure he succeeds.

Whittingham further elaborated on the tough decisions the team needs to make.

“But if it just isn’t working, then at times you’ve got to make that tough decision. But the bottom line again, you want to win, it’s all about winning games, and whoever gives you the best opportunity is who you get to go with.”

Whittingham, in making that statement, might have accidentally just put more pressure on his dual-threat QB. Bryce Underwood reportedly accepted a $12.5 million NIL deal to play for the Michigan Wolverines.

Underwood, the No.1 overall player and top quarterback in the class of 2025, had originally committed to play football for the LSU Tigers at Baton Rouge and then flipped his commitment to stay in-state and play for the maize and blue.

For Kyle Whittingham and staff, the worry will be the spring game. While Underwood was not supposed to take part, the quarterback still played one quarter. For him, it is one quarter that is best forgotten.

He went 3-of-9 and had only 22 yards and also took two sacks. The QB has received a massive check to play football for the Wolverines, and Whittingham will do everything to make sure Underwood succeeds at Ann Arbor. 

Who Can Potentially Replace Underwood at Michigan?

While Bryce Underwood has been named QB1, Whittingham is not afraid to change when required. 

Another freshman and legacy recruit, Tommy Carr, is lurking in the background. He had an impressive showing at this year’s spring game. He went 21 for 30 and had 143 passing yards, while he also led the offense in rushing with ten carries and 59 rushing yards.

Carr could be the likely option if Whittingham wants a change of QBs. 

The Wolverines finished fifth in a stacked Big Ten Conference, going 9-4 and 7-2 in the conference. The goal is to win, and Whittingham is not afraid to take big calls if necessary. 

Do you think this Underwood will perform better this season?

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi