The buzz around Ann Arbor is palpable as Michigan football fans got their first real look at a revamped Wolverines squad during last month's annual spring game. While past spring showcases often featured split-squad battles and high-stakes position competitions, this year's event took on a different tone—one focused squarely on building depth and establishing a new identity.

New head coach Kyle Whittingham sat down with former Michigan tight end and BTN broadcaster Jake Butt on The Blue Print podcast to break down what the spring game really meant. And according to Whittingham, while the 15th practice—the spring game itself—had its moments, it's the 14 that came before it that truly matter.

"Well, it's all important, but the 14 practices are far more valuable," Whittingham explained. "When you're in our situation, you've got a lot to accomplish. We had two completely new schemes to install on both sides of the ball—and special teams, too. Kerry Coombs, who's doing a fantastic job for us with special teams, got hired late in the season and didn't have a chance to install all of his stuff."

The spring session was about laying the foundation. "Spring ball gave us the chance to put in schemes, find out who our playmakers are, and make every single player fundamentally and technically sound," Whittingham added. "The spring game was more about creating a game-like situation to see who steps up and makes plays. It had value, but the intensity and learning happened in those first 14 practices."

Of course, no spring game discussion is complete without talking about the quarterbacks—and all eyes were on Bryce Underwood. The highly-touted signal-caller finished 3-of-9 for 22 yards, while Tommy Carr turned heads with a 21-of-30 performance for 143 yards. On paper, Carr's day was the stronger one. But Whittingham hasn't budged an inch on his stance: Underwood remains QB1.

"It's a tough situation for a young quarterback," Whittingham acknowledged. "But Bryce is our guy. There's still a lot of work to do, and I'm pleased with the progress he's made. We're going to tailor the offense to his strengths, and there's a lot more we'll be adding to his plate as we go."

For Michigan fans, the message is clear: patience is key. The Wolverines are building something new, and the spring game was just the first chapter. With Whittingham at the helm and Underwood under center, the foundation is being laid for what could be an exciting season ahead.