Kyle Whittingham finally wrapped up his first Spring Game in Ann Arbor. He is carrying high expectations on his shoulders to flip the script after the 9-5 season. After the Spring Game, here are some questions the new head coach needs to find an answer to.

The annual spring game held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, went in favor of Team Maize over Team Blue, with a final score of 7-6. Other than the overall score, some questions still need answering. One, has Bryce Underwood improved, and two, how much help will the offensive line be in the fall? 

The talk of the town will certainly be around Underwood, the five-star and No. 1 overall player in the class of 2025. For the Michigan quarterback, the Spring game should be left in the past, as he failed to leave a mark.

He put up a stat line that will not really move heads, going 3-of-9 for just 22 yards in the game. He seemed more refined with his footwork, but it’s difficult to determine how much he has improved under the new coaches so far.

But the approval came from Whittingham.

“He progressed all through spring, there’s some things that may not be noticeable to just the general populace but his footwork, his pocket presence, he’s improved in all areas,” the head coach said after Michigan’s spring game. 

Underwood’s poor showing is in part due to the offensive line breaking up, and he wanted to use his legs but was urged not to do so.  

The offensive line did not look good, and pass protection will need to improve. Andrew Babalola and Evan Link both played, but neither was fully fit. Even Whittingham is waiting for the unit to find its rhythm.

“I think the O-line is going to be fine once all is said and done. Jim Harding is a proven commodity," said the Michigan head coach.

The game saw the three quarterbacks who played sacked a combined five times, which is not a good sign heading into the 2026 season. The final question is who emerges in the secondary as depth? 

Smith Snowden, who followed coach Whittingham to Ann Arbor, Michigan, did not play the game. However, other players, Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, and Shamari Earls, were all out there. The redshirt freshman Kainoa Winston stood out, recording six tackles. 

Bryce Underwood to Remain Michigan Wolverines QB1 Despite Chatter

Underwood has already showcased what he is capable of in the 2025 season. But the Spring Game saw three-star Saline High quarterback Tommy Carr proving himself. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 39 yards and ran seven times for 38 yards.

“I thought Tommy Carr showed a lot of poise and did some good things," Whittingham dropped a praise.

However, the Michigan head coach confirmed that Underwood will remain QB1.

“But he (Bryce Underwood) is, without question, the number one guy. It’s not a quarterback competition. He is QB1 right now, and that’s just how we are,” said Whittingham. 

Michigan may have problems in other areas of the football field, but the quarterback room is not one of them.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar