There’s a new era underway in Ann Arbor, and it’s being led by a name that carries serious weight in college football circles. Michigan officially introduced Kyle Whittingham as the program’s 22nd head football coach Friday night, wrapping up a coaching search that stretched just over two weeks. Whittingham’s arrival marks a significant shift for the Wolverines-and no one’s watching more closely than Bryce Underwood.
Underwood, the highly touted five-star freshman quarterback, was front and center when asked about the hire. “Very excited to figure out what kind of guy he is,” Underwood said Saturday, just days before No.
18 Michigan’s Citrus Bowl matchup with No. 13 Texas.
“I don't really know too much about him. I'm just excited to figure out what kind of guy he is.”
That curiosity is understandable. Whittingham, 66, spent the last two decades building Utah into a model of consistency.
In 22 seasons with the Utes, he posted double-digit wins eight times and avoided a losing record in all but three campaigns. Utah finished 10-2 in 2025, earning a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska.
That kind of track record doesn’t just happen by accident-it’s the product of a coach who knows how to build, sustain, and evolve a program.
Underwood’s first season in Ann Arbor came with its share of growing pains. He completed 61.1% of his passes for 2,229 yards, tossing nine touchdowns against six interceptions. His 131.0 passer rating placed him 11th among qualified Big Ten quarterbacks-a solid foundation, but not quite the fireworks many expected from the nation’s top quarterback recruit.
Still, the tools are all there. Underwood’s arm talent, poise, and athleticism remain undeniable.
What comes next in his development may hinge on what kind of offense Whittingham plans to run-and who he brings in to run it. Asked about his future, Underwood made it clear that those decisions will weigh heavily.
“Right now we're about to play this bowl game, so that's the main focus in my head right now,” he said. “After Dec. 31st, we'll figure it out.”
Whittingham is reportedly eyeing Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck to join him in Ann Arbor, which could offer some continuity and clarity for Underwood. Beck’s offensive approach at Utah was balanced, quarterback-friendly, and built around adaptability-something that could appeal to a young QB looking to take the next step.
For now, though, Underwood’s focus is locked on the present. Michigan faces a tough test in the Citrus Bowl against a surging Texas team, with kickoff set for 3 p.m.
ET on New Year’s Eve at Camping World Stadium. It’s a high-stakes game for a program in transition, and for a quarterback whose next move could shape the Wolverines’ future.
While reports have suggested Underwood isn’t actively looking to leave Michigan, the decision ahead isn’t a small one. A new head coach means a new system, a new culture, and a new direction. For a player with Underwood’s potential, those factors matter.
But if there’s one thing Whittingham has proven over two decades, it’s that he knows how to win-and how to bring players along for the ride. Now, the question becomes: Can he do it in Ann Arbor, and will Bryce Underwood be part of that journey? We’ll start to get answers soon.