Michigan’s quarterback picture is still cloudy heading into the Indiana game, and Kyle Whittingham isn’t letting it clear up early.
On Monday morning, Whittingham said the Wolverines have already made their decision at quarterback, but he’s not telling anyone who it is before kickoff. So for now, Michigan fans who want to know whether Tommy Carr or Bryce Underwood gets the nod will have to wait.
That uncertainty comes after a dramatic second-half switch against Penn State. Underwood, the former No. 1 overall recruit, was pulled after throwing two first-half interceptions. Carr stepped in and steadied the offense, leading three touchdown drives in the second half.
Michigan’s scoring in that game came on the ground across the board, and Carr’s own touchdown run was one of the moments that stood out. Lloyd Carr, watching from inside the stadium, reacted with a big smile as his grandson crossed the goal line. Carr also showed he could do more than just manage the offense, making a quick read and zipping a 22-yard completion to Hogan Hansen when Penn State sent pressure.
The run game did much of the heavy lifting, but Carr still made the kind of plays that helped Michigan regain control. He finished 5 of 7 passing for 47 yards, and the offense topped 200 yards in the second half. More importantly, he protected the football after the turnovers had put Michigan in a dangerous spot earlier.
Underwood’s struggles were tied to how Penn State defended him. Teams had been crowding the box against him, and one of his first-half interceptions was a clear example. Andrew Marsh was open for a touchdown, but the throw was underthrown and picked off.
As for what comes next against Indiana, Carr feels like the likeliest starter. Still, there’s a case for keeping Underwood involved in a limited role. A few designed runs, a one-read throw with a chance to tuck it and run, maybe even a flea-flicker - those kinds of looks could help Michigan tap into his explosiveness without asking him to do everything.
Underwood has already shown he can be effective on the ground in QB power looks, and the source points to Bryd Ficklin’s usage at Utah in 2025 as an example of how a backup quarterback can still be part of the offense. Jason Beck isn’t shy about using a second quarterback or leaning on the run, and that may be the kind of wrinkle Michigan considers here too.
For now, though, the only certainty is that Whittingham has made his choice and isn’t revealing it. The rest will wait until kickoff.
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Utah still has a quarterback decision hanging over its upcoming matchup with Indiana, and Kyle Whittingham didnt tip his hand when he met with reporters this week. He said a plan is in place, but he stopped short of naming a starter, leaving the Hoosiers to prepare without knowing exactly who will be under center.
Whittingham did sound encouraged by what he has seen elsewhere on offense, pointing to the Utes recent rushing production and the play of the offensive line. He also singled out the contributions and availability of several individual players, a reminder that the quarterback situation is only part of the picture as Utah works through the final stages of game prep. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Penn State Win Raised A Massive QB Question
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Carrs line was modest on paper, but it was enough to give the offense some rhythm, with 5 completions on 7 attempts for 47 yards, plus 36 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. The result leaves Michigan with a bigger conversation at quarterback than it had going into the game, especially with a road win in a tight conference game showing how quickly the depth chart can become a moving target. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Heads Into Indiana With One Huge QB Decision Unsettled
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Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is already bracing for the possibility that Michigan may not go with just one quarterback, and has indicated the Wolverines could lean on both Carr and Underwood. Either way, the focus figures to stay on a Michigan defense that will try to make life difficult for Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover while the offense sorts out its direction on the fly. [Read more 🡒]