Kyle Whittingham didn’t waste any time after being named Michigan’s new head coach. Just hours after the announcement on Friday night, he was on a plane to Orlando, stepping right into the Wolverines’ Citrus Bowl prep - and more importantly, into the locker room of his new team.
For Michigan’s players, it was their first real look at the man who’s now tasked with guiding one of college football’s most storied programs into a new era. And based on the early feedback, Whittingham’s first impression is landing well.
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who’s wrapping up his first season in Ann Arbor, admitted he didn’t know much about Whittingham when the news broke. But his reaction? Pure excitement.
“I was actually pretty excited,” Underwood said. “Just really excited to see what he does for the University of Michigan. Very excited to figure out what kind of guy he is.”
That curiosity quickly turned into a conversation - a 45-minute sit-down with Whittingham on Sunday morning, just before the coach’s introductory press conference. It’s a strong early step in building what could be a pivotal relationship for the future of Michigan football, especially with Underwood at the center of the Wolverines’ quarterback room moving forward.
Running back Jordan Marshall - who had a breakout season in 2025, rushing for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns - also came away from the initial meeting impressed.
“Good energy,” Marshall said. “Did what the coach was supposed to say and said the right things. Brings intensity for sure, really like that about him.”
Marshall’s comments reflect more than just a polite endorsement. He noted that the team’s early read on Whittingham was positive - that players felt like he could be the right fit.
But Marshall, like many veterans, is taking a measured approach. He’s focused on continuing to build that relationship and see how Whittingham and his staff operate day-to-day.
“I want to be at Michigan,” Marshall said. “And if everything works out, I want to be here. I love this place, truly.”
That’s a meaningful statement from a player who not only had a productive year, but showed real promise as a future leader of the offense. Marshall had a stretch of four straight 100-yard games late in the season, a streak that only ended when he exited the Ohio State game early due to injury. His commitment to the program - and openness to the new coaching direction - is a big plus as Michigan looks to retain its core.
Offensive lineman Blake Frazier echoed similar sentiments. Speaking with MGoBlue’s Ed Kengerski, Frazier described Whittingham as a “what you see is what you get” kind of coach - a straightforward, honest presence.
“I’m excited about it, I like him,” Frazier said. “I’m excited to create a relationship with him and go from there.”
Frazier also shared some insight into Whittingham’s message during their first team meeting Saturday night. It was clear, direct, and focused on mutual expectations.
“He was explaining to us what we’re gonna get from him, but also what he expects from us,” Frazier said. “I think he understands that there’s some work to do with creating relationships, and quickly, with the portal opening and everything. But I think he did a great job with getting everybody on board.”
That urgency - to connect, to communicate, to stabilize the roster - is already coming through. Whittingham knows the transfer portal clock is ticking, and building trust with his players is step one in keeping this group intact for 2026.
Safety Brandyn Hillman described Whittingham as a “player’s coach for sure,” someone who’s already showing he’s approachable and authentic.
“He’s a nice dude,” Hillman said. “Straightforward guy, doesn’t beat around the bush.
He’s glad to be here - I can see that he’s glad to be here, glad to be the coach of the University of Michigan. I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen, I ain’t gonna lie.”
Senior linebacker Jimmy Rolder, speaking from Orlando during a press conference, hasn’t had a full one-on-one with Whittingham yet, but said the two have been briefly introduced. Rolder noted those deeper conversations are still to come - and that’s to be expected. Whittingham’s just getting started, and the relationship-building process is only beginning.
Still, the early returns are promising. There’s no buzz of discontent, no hesitation in the locker room - just players who are intrigued, optimistic, and cautiously eager to see what this new chapter brings.
Whittingham has made it clear: job No. 1 is retaining the roster. And if these first interactions are any indication, he’s off to a solid start.