Coming off the loss to Minnesota, Michigan understandably had more questions than answers about what in the world was going on with this team. All signs point to the offense, with the defense ranking as one of the best in the country, and who is easier to blame on the offense than the quarterback?
Bryce Underwood is just in his second season of college football, and many, yes, sometimes even me, believe that he should be throwing the ball like Tom Brady did when he won seven Super Bowl rings. After the loss, though, there was a question as to whether Whittingham was going to stick with his $3 million-a-year quarterback, or make the change to freshman and Michigan legacy, Tommy Carr.
Well, Whittingham made everyone wait a week to really give his answer, announcing in his press conference that Michigan wasn't going to "panic" and make a crazy change, and that Underwood is the guy. There were a lot of conversations between Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck about how to move forward with this offense, but Underwood is the guy.
So, what does this really say about Whittingham and what he sees with Michigan this season?
Kyle Whittingham isn't giving up on the 2026 season just yet
Whittingham's key part of his press conference wasn't when he talked about not benching Underwood or Beck continuing to call the offense; it was when he talked about not panicking.
If Whittingham were panicking about the offense and the direction of this team, he would be making a ton of huge changes, but instead, he is simply changing the course a little bit. Look, it feels impossible, but Michigan could still have a shot at the College Football Playoff; it is very slim, but it's there.
With the rest of the season, Michigan faces multiple top-ranked teams that could help pad the Wolverines' resume, and if Michigan can win out, it would have to be impressive enough for the selection committee. So, by sticking with Underwood, Whittingham isn't simply throwing his hands in the air and going with Carr; instead, he is showing he still believes in this team this season.
It feels like if Whittingham went with Carr right now, it would be more like waving the white flag on the 2026 season and hoping for the best the rest of the way. Instead, sticking with Underwood is Whittingham showing that he still believes this is the right formula for success in Ann Arbor.
Michigan's offense, and more importantly, Underwood, will have a chance to prove Whittingham right in making this decision right away, with Penn State coming to town this week. The Nittany Lions are in an even worse spot than the Wolverines, and if they can't get past that defense, then the problems are bigger than anyone really thought.
Now, could Underwood's massive contract be a part of the decision that he remains the starter, maybe, but either way, Whittingham is sticking with the 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback that was a five-star No. 1 overall recruit for a reason.
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