Underwood 'Getting Closer' as Michigan Opens Fall Camp
As the Michigan Wolverines kick off fall camp in early August, head coach Kyle Whittingham has doubled down on sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood as the unquestioned starter. Speaking on the 'Rich Eisen Show,' Whittingham praised the 6-foot-4, 228-pound Detroit native's offseason growth, emphasizing improved mechanics, footwork, and decision-making after a freshman campaign that saw him complete 60.3% of his passes for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions while leading the team to a 9-4 record.
"Bryce is our guy," Whittingham reiterated. "He's getting closer. There's nobody that wants to be great more than Bryce Underwood. He's a workaholic. He's in the film room constantly. He's out on the practice field by himself throwing balls. He's working out with Joe Burrow and guys around the country." The coach also noted that Underwood did not have a dedicated quarterbacks coach last year, which may have stunted his development. Michigan plans to utilize Underwood's legs more this season, adding a new dimension to the offense.
Freshman Tommy Carr impressed during spring practices as the backup, but Whittingham made clear that the job belongs to Underwood. The Wolverines' success in 2026 hinges on his continued progression, and the coaching staff is tailoring the offense to his strengths.
Investigation Details Emerge: Michigan Omitted Key Findings
While on-field optimism builds, off-field scrutiny continues. A Wall Street Journal report revealed that Michigan's public summary of its $12 million investigation into the athletic department omitted several concerns raised by the law firm Jenner & Block. Investigators identified "a series of potential red flags" beyond former coach Sherrone Moore's affair with Paige Shiver, including Moore's online interactions with an OnlyFans model in March 2024, social media activity that surfaced during a background check, and his interactions with a Michigan fan who posted revealing photos online. The slideshow also included a photo of Moore's vehicle parked at Shiver's apartment complex.
The investigation also examined the handling of former men's basketball coach Juwan Howard, who received a five-game suspension and $40,000 fine after a 2022 altercation but remained until March 2024 following another verbal confrontation and an 8-24 season. Former women's water polo coach Cassie Churnside faced complaints of "abusive, unprofessional behavior" starting in 2023, received formal warnings, and resigned in March. These findings raise questions about Michigan's oversight and culture, casting a shadow over the athletic department's leadership as it transitions to a new athletic director in 2027.
Whittingham, who took over after Moore's departure, inherits a program navigating these reputational risks. The university's handling of these issues could have lasting implications for donor confidence and recruiting.
Whittingham Calls for Radical Reform in College Football
Amid these challenges, Whittingham has become a vocal advocate for structural change in the sport. He argues that the current NIL landscape is "out of control," predicting a dozen teams will field $50 million rosters in the next recruiting cycle. The disparity between haves and have-nots, he says, undermines competition. Whittingham proposes an NFL minor league model with a salary cap and players as employees, potentially forming a "super league" of 48-60 teams.
"I don't see any other way around it," he said, adding that he would support unionization. He also critiqued the 'Protect College Sports Act,' which would cap conferences at 19 teams and impose a five-year independence period for schools switching power leagues, making a super league harder to form. Michigan, with its robust NIL collective Champions Circle, is positioned as a "have," but Whittingham's perspective from his 21 years at Utah gives him unique insight into the challenges facing smaller programs.
His calls for reform reflect broader anxieties across college sports as private equity enters the picture and financial pressures mount. The outcome of legislative battles and potential super league formation could redefine the sport's landscape.
Strength Gains and Offensive Optimism
On the field, Michigan's strength and conditioning program has produced eye-opening gains this summer, fueling optimism that the Wolverines can improve on last year's nine-win season. Running back Jordan Marshall's performance at the spring game highlighted the team's physical development. Wide receiver Andrew Marsh described the new offense under Whittingham as "explosive," suggesting a more dynamic attack. With Underwood's dual-threat ability and added strength, the offense could exceed expectations.
Fall camp battles at linebacker, left tackle, and backup quarterback will shape the depth chart, but the foundation appears solid. Michigan also added games to its football and basketball schedules, ensuring a competitive slate.
Broader Implications for Michigan and College Football
The convergence of Underwood's development, the athletic department's transparency crisis, and Whittingham's reform advocacy places Michigan at the center of college football's evolving narrative. The program's ability to balance on-field success with off-field accountability will be tested. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes remain on Ann Arbor—from the quarterback's progress to the boardroom decisions that could alter the sport's future. For fans, the immediate focus is on fall camp and the promise of a new era under Whittingham, but the shadows of the past linger. The Wolverines' journey this season will be about more than wins and losses; it will be a referendum on leadership, transparency, and the direction of college athletics.
As Whittingham said, "We're there at Michigan," referring to NIL resources. But as the investigation shows, being "there" also means confronting uncomfortable truths. The upcoming season offers a chance for redemption on the field, while the sport's structural debates continue off it.
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