Kyle Whittingham isn’t spending his time worrying about the transfer portal. He’s worried about winning games at Michigan right now, and that means playing the guys who can help him do it.
Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr made his first real mark this past weekend against UTEP, and Whittingham liked what he saw. Carr went 2-for-2 for 23 yards and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Salesi Moa. He also carried the ball twice for 18 yards.
Carr had already flashed in Michigan’s spring game, and Whittingham said the freshman is showing why people inside the program are excited about him.
“We like Tommy and we've spoken highly of Tommy ever since last spring,” said Whitingham on Monday. “I thought he came in and did a good job and really showed some explosion on that run and he can make you miss.
When he carries the football, you saw the touch he was able to put on the ball to that touchdown pass to Moe in the end zone. So it was good to see him translate what he's been doing in practice to a game situation.”
Carr is viewed as part of Michigan’s future, even with Bryce Underwood still expected to be in Ann Arbor for at least one more year. But that future talk only goes so far when the games are being played now.
Whittingham made it clear he isn’t going to baby players just to keep everyone happy in an era when the transfer portal can flip a roster in an instant. The coaching staff has already had to manage that reality, and it has also found help through the portal with John Henry Daley, Jonah Lea'ea, Chris Bracy, and JJ Buchanan, among others.
“As far as the transfer portal, I'm looking ahead. I mean, we'll start to really hone in on retention and what we think is going to be the landscape of the team as we get towards the end of the season, but that's still many weeks away,” Whittingham said. “But I don't know if we need to treat players any differently than we always have going through the season.
“I mean, are you talking about like maybe coddling them a little bit and throwing them a bone here and there? I don't know, but you try to keep them all engaged and bottom line is, guys that can help you win, you want to get on the field and that's where we're at right now.”
The NCAA’s new 5-for-5 rule has also changed how coaches handle young players. Instead of the old redshirt setup, players now have five years of eligibility, and that has made it easier for coaches to use freshmen without worrying so much about burning a year.
Whittingham said that shift has been a real advantage, especially when it comes to special teams.
“Yeah, big time,” Whittingham said on if the new 5-for-5 helps. “It's expanded the roster and made you not reluctant.
Before, you're reluctant to put guys in because you want to stay under that four-game limit and don't waste a few snaps at the end of the game by putting them in and this and that. It has greatly enhanced your ability, especially on special teams.
“That's what really comes into play is you've got a much bigger pool of guys you can utilize to take roles on special teams.I think it's a great role. I think it's one of the best things the NCAA has done for a lot of years and I think that everybody has bigger rosters to, not bigger rosters, more availability in your roster to play guys.”
In Other News...
Michigan Heads Into Iowa With One Injury Concern Fans Cant Ignore
Michigans offensive line had to absorb a jolt last week when right tackle Andrew Sprague was unavailable against UTEP, forcing a reshuffle up front at a time when the unit is trying to find some continuity. Kyle Whittingham said Spragues return window is still unclear, with the staff waiting on a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan before it can settle on a firmer timeline.
Jordan Marshall offers a steadier note heading into Iowa. The starting running back has been working back through nagging injuries, but he is expected to be available unless something changes, which at least gives Michigan a chance to keep some balance in the offense while the line situation sorts itself out. The real question now is how long the Wolverines may have to manage without Sprague, because the answer could shape more than just one game plan. [Read more 🡒]
Whittingham Sees One Michigan Issue That Early Wins Havent Fixed
Michigan has taken a step forward since its close opening game, but Kyle Whittingham made clear there is still a larger test ahead. Speaking to reporters, the coach pointed to the need for greater consistency and resilience when games get difficult, noting that progress is real but not yet complete. For a team trying to build on early wins, the message was less about celebrating what has already been cleaned up and more about sustaining it.
Whittingham said the Wolverines have to keep the same enthusiasm, passion and energy for the full length of games, especially once the pressure rises and the margin tightens. The improvement is encouraging, but the issue he flagged is one that tends to show up only after the easy moments are gone, and Michigan will keep facing that challenge until it proves it can hold its level when things turn messy. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Fans Can Finally Plan The Wolverines' First 2026 Road Trip
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Minnesota enters this season at 2-1 under P.J. Fleck, with TJ Thomas and Drake Lindsey among the names to watch, but Michigan has controlled this series for a while. The Wolverines have won five straight against the Gophers, and Minnesotas last win in the rivalry came back in 2014, which gives this one a little extra edge even before the teams take the field. [Read more 🡒]