Has Bryce Underwood taken the next step?The No. 1 concern for most after watching that spring game is the starting quarterback. Bryce Underwood looked like he did in his worst moments last season. He was holding onto the ball for too long, forced balls into tight windows, showcased poor footwork, and launched passes outside the grasp of receivers. A small sample size not worth overreacting to, but still an alarming sign.
Making matters worse for Underwood, true freshman quarterback Tommy Carr looked great, and head coach Kyle Whittingham praised him continuously, including this quote:
Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham: “Bryce is our starter but a Tommy has made great strides. All the things you look for in a Big Ten quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/iJRpHchyFn
Two things are true here — 1) Underwood is a pinnacle prospect, the face of this program and the best quarterback on the team. Carr had some good plays against the 2’s and 3’s, and is not close to being the starter to start the season. 2) Michigan fans aren’t patient and have already sat through a season of Underwood’s development. The calling is going to be loud and fast for Carr, whether deserved or not.
At the same time, Whittingham said he has seen improvement from Underwood this spring, including his footwork and pocket presence. “We think he’s got a big upside, we’ve still got a lot of confidence in him, there’s no real different sentiment than what we had when we first got in here.”
Michigan has one of the toughest schedules in the country in 2026 with games against Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State and Indiana at home, and Oregon and Ohio State on the road. Underwood has to take the next step.
No one should be worried about Andrew Marsh. Even though he didn’t do much on Saturday, he’s going to be the No. 1 receiver.
Tight end Eli Owens led the team in receptions and yards with four catches for 28 yards. I can almost guarantee that will be the only time that happens in 2026 with Hogan Hansen expected to be the starter with others in the mix in the tight end room like Deakon Tonielli and Zack Marshall (when he is healthy).
There was much excitement for transfer JJ Buchanan, but he, like Marsh, did not record a reception in the spring game.
After that, there are a ton of options, but because of a poor offensive showing, we didn’t really get to see them. True freshman Salesi Moa and Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench seem to be the favorites to round out the top of the depth chart.
The good news is Michigan has more talent in the receiver room than last year. The question now is who is going to gel with Underwood and these quarterbacks to really start standing out early, like Marsh did at the end of last season.
Michigan’s defense stood out on Saturday. It was a surprise to see just how far ahead they were than the offense despite countless returners on the offensive side and the losses on defense. But strong performances by the defensive line and secondary left room for question in the center of the defense.
Early in the spring, Whittingham mentioned Troy Bowles, Natahniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor were the top three linebackers. But transfers Nathaniel Staheling, Max Alford and Aisea Moa will be eyeing playing time as well. Even true freshman Markel Dabney could get some attention.
The inexperience is something to be concerned about. This unit has the most to prove and the largest potential to see some big shake ups before the 2026 season starts.