Michigan Wolverines know Bryce Underwood will open the season as its starting quarterback, but Kyle Whittingham isn't talking about just one passer entering fall camp. The Wolverines coach says true freshman Tommy Carr has already forced his way into the conversation after an impressive spring. 

According to Whittingham's appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Bryce Underwood remains firmly atop the depth chart. The Michigan head coach praised both quarterbacks while explaining why the competition matters heading into the 2026 season.

"Bryce is our guy. Tommy Carr had an exceptional spring. True freshman, just should've been in high school but he graduated early and really did some good things,” Whittingham said on The Rich Eisen Show. “He was impressive. But going into the season, Bryce Underwood is our guy."

Even while praising Underwood mostly, Whittingham's appearance on The Rich Eisen Show had updates about Carr. After enrolling early, the freshman finished spring practice as Michigan's No. 2 quarterback behind Bryce Underwood.

Before arriving in Ann Arbor, Carr flipped his commitment from Miami (Ohio) in November 2025.

The Saline High School quarterback completed 69.3% of his passes for 2,737 yards and 37 touchdowns during his senior season, and he became the No.23 quarterback recruit of the 2026 class.

Carr carried that momentum into Michigan's spring game in April. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards and added 59 rushing yards, building on the strong spring he had already put together.

"Tommy has really made strides and has great pocket presence and escape ability. He can extend plays, keeps his eyes downfield, all the things you look for in a big-time quarterback," Whittingham said after the practice in April.

Carr's strong spring hasn't changed Michigan's plans at quarterback.

Carr's emergence gives Michigan another promising option behind Underwood, but Whittingham said the sophomore remains the clear leader entering fall camp. The coach also explained why he expects Underwood to take a major step this season.

Kyle Whittingham details Bryce Underwood's offseason progress

Speaking on the same podcast, Whittingham explained why Michigan remains confident Underwood is ready for another step after starting every game as a true freshman.

“To be fair, he was a barely-turned-18-year-old true freshman last year thrust into the situation that he was," Whittingham said. "And, even though there’s a lot of room for improvement, he still won nine ball games and put up some decent numbers.

Whittingham said Underwood has improved his mechanics, footwork, pocket presence and decision-making during the offseason.

He also noted that the sophomore didn't have a dedicated quarterback's coach last year, making this offseason an important part of his development.

With Underwood established as QB1 and Carr already earning praise beyond his years, Michigan heads into fall camp with a quarterback room Whittingham believes is in a much stronger position than it was a year ago.

What are your thoughts on Whittingham's confession of Carr? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar