Michigan Football Sets Spring Practice Slate Under New Coach Kyle Whittingham
There’s a new era brewing in Ann Arbor, and it officially kicks off this spring. Michigan football has announced its spring practice schedule for 2026, marking the first under head coach Kyle Whittingham. After 18 days of winter conditioning, the Wolverines will take the field on March 17 for the start of spring ball, with 15 practices leading up to the annual spring game at Michigan Stadium on April 18.
While the program hasn’t yet revealed the format or kickoff time for the spring game, there’s a strong possibility fans will get to watch it live this year. Last season, Michigan opted for a tape-delayed broadcast on Big Ten Network to limit exposure amid the transfer portal frenzy. But with no late spring portal window this time around, the door is open for a live showing on BTN.
New Leaders Stepping Forward
Michigan also named four spring captains-players who’ll set the tone for the team throughout the offseason: quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Jordan Marshall, defensive tackle Trey Pierce, and defensive back Rod Moore Jr.
Underwood is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the spring. The sophomore signal-caller showed flashes of big-play ability in 2025, completing 60.3% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
He also added 392 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. Now, with a full offseason and a new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck-alongside quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr.-Underwood will look to take a leap in year two.
It’s worth noting that Michigan didn’t have a dedicated quarterbacks coach last season, so Detmer's addition could be a key piece in Underwood’s development.
In the backfield, Jordan Marshall is expected to take over as the feature back following Justice Haynes’ transfer to Georgia Tech. Marshall was highly effective in 2025, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and finishing with 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. With a full workload ahead of him, he could be poised for a breakout campaign.
On the defensive side, Trey Pierce returns as a veteran anchor up front. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound senior started all 13 games last season and was a key cog in Michigan’s run defense, tallying 30 tackles, including one for loss. His younger brother, Christian Pierce, has joined the team as a transfer from FCS Western Illinois, adding another layer to the family legacy in maize and blue.
Rod Moore Jr. brings leadership and resilience to the secondary. A two-time captain, Moore nearly declared for the 2024 NFL Draft before opting to return.
Unfortunately, an ACL tear in spring 2024 derailed his plans, and he’s only played three games since Michigan’s national title run in 2023. Now entering his sixth and final season, Moore is aiming to finish his college career on a high note.
Spring Leadership Council Announced
In addition to the spring captains, Michigan has named 11 players to its spring leadership council-veterans who’ll help guide the team through offseason workouts and practices. Most are upperclassmen returning from last year’s squad, and while official team captains for the 2026 season won’t be chosen until fall camp, this group will play a pivotal role in shaping the locker room culture this spring.
Here’s the full list:
- S Nico Andrighetto, fifth-year senior
- CB Zeke Berry, fifth-year senior
- DE Cameron Brandt, senior
- S Mason Curtis, junior
- DT Enow Etta, junior
- OL Blake Frazier, junior
- OL Jake Guarnera, junior
- CB Jyaire Hill, senior
- WR Andrew Marsh, sophomore
- TE Zack Marshall, senior
- OL Andrew Sprague, junior
With a new coaching staff, a young quarterback ready to take the reins, and a strong core of returning leaders, Michigan’s spring practices will be more than just a tune-up. They’ll be the foundation for what Whittingham hopes will be the next great chapter in Wolverines football.