Underwood Confirmed as Michigan Starter After Steady Fall Camp

Overview

• Coaches publicly affirmed Bryce Underwood as the Week 1 starter after roughly 13–14 steady fall practices, with Kyle Whittingham praising an “upward trajectory” and Jason Beck noting consistent work.
• Staff say Underwood’s mechanics, footwork and decision‑making have measurably improved in drills and install work, though those gains have not yet been tested by live tackling in games.
• Coaches are deliberately limiting risky scrambles and hits—summed up in the “don’t be Superman” message—while still using designed quarterback runs so his mobility remains a weapon without becoming a liability.
• The backup job is a live competition: freshman Tommy Carr and transfer Brayden Fowler‑Nicolosi have closed the gap and are now splitting second‑team reps as the staff evaluates their different skill sets.
• Whittingham named likely special‑teams starters and reported camp injuries, including season‑ending leg damage to freshman Ace Hamilton and short‑term setbacks for Andrew Babalola and Dom Nichols, with the Sept. 5 opener the first true test of the camp work.