The Kyle Whittingham era at Michigan is off to a promising start, and the energy around the program is palpable. After successfully retaining much of last year’s team and incoming recruits, Whittingham has also strengthened the roster by bringing in key players through the transfer portal, including John Henry Daley, Smith Snowden, JJ Buchanan, and Salesi Moa.
With college football teams shaping up for the 2026 season, CBS Sports recently evaluated the new head coach hires, and Michigan's Whittingham earned an impressive “A” grade. Richard Johnson from CBS Sports highlighted that while Whittingham’s departure from Utah wasn’t shocking, his move to Michigan was unexpected. His coaching style is expected to resonate well with the Wolverines, and the offense under Jason Beck seems perfectly suited for quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Whittingham wasn’t alone in receiving top marks; UCLA’s Bob Chesney, Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris, and Virginia Tech’s James Franklin also earned “A” grades. Considering the situation Michigan faced, the hiring of Whittingham seems like a strategic move. While Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer was a long shot after their playoff success, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham was another potential candidate, Whittingham offers the stability and leadership Michigan needs.
However, while the “A” grade is promising, it’s essential to see how Whittingham’s leadership translates on the field, especially during challenging times. The real test will come with how the players respond and perform under his guidance.
Just as Jim Harbaugh’s initial hiring grade evolved with his subsequent achievements, Whittingham’s grade has the potential to rise as he proves his mettle with the Wolverines. For now, it’s a solid start with room to grow.