The biggest X-factor for the Michigan football team heading into the 2026-27 season is still starting quarterback Bryce Underwood.
We know that the defense is going to be good. The running game is going to be elite, too. The offensive line will be stout, and Michigan will be physical.
The Wolverines have enough talent on both sides of the ball to reach the College Football Playoff. The biggest question is Underwood.
Since Whittingham was hired, he's raved about Underwood's ability. He admitted on The BluePrint Podcast that Underwood was still "a work in progress."
However, despite a poor showing in the spring, on just nine pass attempts, Whittingham has expressed full confidence in the former five-star quarterback and offered some reassurance about the development of Underwood on the podcast hosted by Jake Butt and Devin Gardner.
Kyle Whittingham says Bryce Underwood is still on the right path
“You talk about spring ball, but long before that — January, February — we were in the film room and talking him through mechanics and footwork and read progressions and all that,” Whittingham said. “It continued through spring. He has made progress. Still got a long ways to go, but he’s on the right path.”
Underwood was 9-4 as a starter last season and averaged 218 total yards per game. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck has already talked about using Underwood more as a runner, which should make things easier on him as a passer and on the running game.
Too many teams were able to load the box last season without Michigan being able to make them pay. Underwood has all the talent in the world. It's fine to be excited about Tommy Carr, who absolutely looks like a future starter. The future isn't now, though.
It's Underwood's time and what he does with it will define the Michigan football season.
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