Michigan Football Coach Mum on Quarterback Decision
Coach Kyle Whittingham declines to name starting QB for upcoming game after benching $12 million player.
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has stated that he has a plan for his team's quarterback situation but is not revealing it to the public ahead of their matchup with No. 6 Indiana. The team is coming off a 21-18 victory over Penn State, a game in which starting quarterback Bryce Underwood was replaced by Tommy Carr at halftime.
Underwood, a sophomore who holds a $12 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, has started 19 consecutive games for the Wolverines. However, his performance this season has drawn scrutiny, with 924 passing yards on a 58.1% completion rate, five touchdown passes, and a conference-leading six interceptions. Rumors have circulated that his continued starting position was influenced by his substantial contract.
Carr, who stepped in for Underwood when Michigan was trailing 3-0, led the team on three touchdown drives in the second half. He also scored the game-sealing touchdown with a 12-yard run. Whittingham acknowledged Carr's effective performance, describing him as "a real smooth guy, very efficient with his style."
Carr is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and the younger brother of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr. While Carr was a four-star recruit, Underwood was ranked as the top recruit in his class in 2023 before committing to Michigan.
A potential start for Carr would represent a significant shift for Michigan, which improved its record to 4-2 with the win over Penn State, marking their first Big Ten victory of the season.