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Big Ten Coaches Tout Michigan Under Whittingham as Underwood Takes Center Stage

Rival coaches credit roster upgrades with visible year-two growth to explain the rising title talk.

Overview

  • Anonymous Big Ten coaches say Michigan’s 2026 roster under Kyle Whittingham looks ready to win the conference, with Bryce Underwood driving the plan.
  • Kyle Whittingham kept Underwood from the transfer portal with an early 45-minute talk and says he will build the offense around the 6-foot-4, 240-pound quarterback he likens to Cam Newton.
  • Underwood trained this offseason with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, who expects more decisive reads and cleaner throwing mechanics in his second year.
  • Spring practices brought gains in footwork, pocket poise and decision-making, highlighted by a behind-the-back touchdown that Underwood said was a reflex play.
  • Michigan added pass catchers through the portal such as JJ Buchanan and Jaime Ffrench with freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson expected to contribute, and the Wolverines open Sept. 5 against Western Michigan.