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Jul 30, 2026, 2:25 PM CUT

Michigan’s starting QB details locker room optimism for 2026 Season

Michigan Wolverines' offense will look very different in 2026 under first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Bryce Underwood believes the unit has already started to come together as the Wolverines prepare for fall camp.

Underwood spent the offseason working on his game and getting more comfortable with his teammates after his freshman year. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, he said building chemistry across the offense has been one of the team's priorities.

"You know, all my receivers, the same ones that transferred in, the freshmen that just came in, the receivers that were already there," Underwood said. "We're working a lot."

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show on July 28, Underwood said the offense has become more comfortable playing together during the offseason.

Bryce Underwood

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He believes that familiarity will help as Michigan looks to expand its passing game alongside one of the Big Ten's top rushing attacks.

Last season, Michigan averaged 27.5 points per game and ranked second in the Big Ten with 210.2 rushing yards per contest.

Now, Bryce returns alongside leading rusher Jordan Marshall and top receiver Andrew Marsh. Also joining are five-star running back Savion Hiter and Utah transfer J.J. Buchanan, who add even more talent to the offense.

With Whittingham and Beck installing a new system, expectations have grown that Michigan can become far more explosive.

Underwood also hinted that fans could notice a different identity on offense this fall.

"All 11 players on the field will be electric,” Underwood said. “That's all I'll say."

His comments reflect the confidence building inside Michigan's locker room after months of offseason work.

While the Wolverines won't reveal much before kickoff, players believe the offense has taken meaningful steps in the right direction.

Bryce Underwood continues to receive Kyle Whittingham's backing

Underwood's confidence has been matched by his new head coach, who has repeatedly made it clear there is no quarterback controversy entering the season.

During his own appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Whittingham backed the sophomore several times, calling him Michigan's unquestioned starter.

"Well, Bryce is our guy," Whittingham said. "To be fair, he was a barely turned 18-year-old true freshman last year and thrust into the situation that he was. We believe in Bryce, and he's got all the tools in the toolbox."

Underwood threw for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 60.3% of his passes during Michigan's 9-4 season in 2025.

Whittingham also praised the sophomore's work during the offseason. He also reiterated that Underwood will open the season as Michigan's starting quarterback.

Michigan begins the 2026 season against Western Michigan on September 5. The opener will provide the first look at how Underwood's offseason work carries over into game action.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote