Michigan Tight Ends Improve Under Freshman Carr
Michigan's tight ends have raised their play week by week in 2026 as freshman quarterback Tommy Carr increased their involvement in the passing game.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Michigan tight ends started the 2026 season below their standards, missing run-blocking assignments and seeing few targets. Since freshman quarterback Tommy Carr assumed duties in the second half against Penn State, the group has steadily improved.
Why it matters
The tight end group's progress affects how Michigan balances its passing and running attacks in Big Ten play, particularly as the offense leans on younger players. For Michigan readers, the development offers a clearer view of how the offense is evolving within the state's college football program.
Team observations show Hoffman doubled his receptions across two games and that tight ends missed run-blocking assignments in each early game before improving against Rutgers. Season-long target and reception totals for the group were not provided in the source material.
The players
Kyle Whittingham
Michigan's head football coach, who suspended tight end Zack Marshall for two games after Marshall disparaged the team's playcalling in Instagram messages.
Tommy Carr
Michigan's freshman quarterback who assumed starting duties and increased targets to the tight ends during the 2026 season.
The details
Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr keeps his eyes downfield after being flushed from the pocket and spread the ball to tight ends more than they had seen all year. Freshman tight end Mason Bonner, a 6-foot-7 player, is part of the group's development, while Zack Marshall received a two-game suspension from coach Kyle Whittingham after disparaging playcalling in Instagram messages.
Timeline
Sept. 22: Owens described his playstyle in an interview.
Second half against Penn State: Carr assumed duties under center for the first time.
Oct. 27: Hoffman commented on missed targets in the passing game.
Tuesday (Nov. 4 week): Hansen commented on tight ends' progress.
Season Trajectory
The tight ends' climb under Carr matters for Michigan's Big Ten standing, as the offense's ability to use every receiving option has become a key factor in the team's remaining schedule. The shift follows a broader pattern in which younger quarterbacks rely on tight ends to diversify the passing game.
Fantasy managers tracking Michigan tight ends should note that Carr's willingness to target the group could raise their weekly opportunity, though the extraction provides no reception totals to quantify it. Michigan fans can expect tight ends to remain a visible part of the passing game as the season progresses.
The takeaway
Watching how a team's secondary receiving options develop often reveals more about an offense's direction than its top targets alone. Michigan's tight end progress shows how a new quarterback can expand an offense's reach.
Further reading
Explore more in Football coverage for Michigan.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Michigan Daily.
