Michigan Benches Quarterback Bryce Underwood

Head coach Kyle Whittingham turns to freshman Tommy Carr to lead the offense following a stagnant performance.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Michigan Benches Quarterback Bryce Underwood

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Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has benched starting quarterback Bryce Underwood in favor of freshman Tommy Carr. The coaching staff made the switch during the game against Penn State to provide a spark after the team struggled to produce any points in the first half.

Why it matters

The decision reflects Michigan's urgent need to improve its offensive production, as the program currently ranks last in passing yards per game among Power Four schools. Coaching leadership aims to prioritize whichever signal-caller offers the best immediate chance to win games.

Freshman Tommy Carr completed five of seven pass attempts for 47 yards and added 36 rushing yards with one touchdown during his appearance against Penn State. Michigan had produced only 70 total yards in the first half before the quarterback change.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

He serves as the head coach for the Michigan football team and is responsible for all personnel decisions.

Bryce Underwood

He is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback who holds a 50-4 record from his time as a high school starter.

Tommy Carr

He is a freshman quarterback who recently acted as a substitute during the game against Penn State.

The details

Freshman Tommy Carr entered the game during the second half of the contest against Penn State to replace the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Underwood. The coaching staff seeks to shift momentum for an offense that has struggled to move the ball effectively throughout the season.

November 21, 2024: Bryce Underwood committed to Michigan.
Week of October 14-20, 2026: Bryce Underwood was benched during the Penn State game.
October 24, 2026: Michigan plays Indiana.

Season Trajectory

The current quarterback transition highlights the team's ongoing struggle for offensive consistency, extending a historical pattern of using three different starting quarterbacks over a 10-game period. This change significantly alters the team's preparation for their upcoming matchup against Indiana.

Tommy Carr is expected to assume the starting role for the upcoming game against Indiana on October 24, 2026. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the depth chart, as the coaching staff has indicated they will pivot back to Underwood if Carr fails to perform.

The takeaway

Maintaining consistent play at the quarterback position remains the most critical challenge for the coaching staff. Fans should watch for how the offense's efficiency metrics change under the leadership of a new starting signal-caller.