Michigan’s first fall practice didn’t produce any sweeping verdicts, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck wasn’t about to hand one out. One day into camp, the message was simple: keep working, stay grounded and let the results show up later. Still, Beck gave reporters plenty to chew on, especially when it came to Bryce Underwood, a handful of early standouts and the way Michigan’s offense is taking shape for the 2026 season.
The biggest theme from Beck’s media session was restraint. He made it clear the staff is not interested in celebrating too early or reading too much into a single practice. The focus, he said, is on humility and daily work, with the real judgment coming once the games begin.
Underwood, though, drew plenty of praise. Beck called the rising sophomore’s confidence a positive trait, saying that’s exactly what he wants from a quarterback.
He even joked that he’d be more concerned if Underwood didn’t believe in himself. Beck also pointed to Underwood’s athleticism, especially his ability to extend plays and create problems for defenses with his legs.
There’s been progress, too. Beck described Underwood as a hard worker who has picked up the offense quickly since arriving on campus.
Footwork was one of the major offseason priorities, and Beck said improvement has been made there. Even so, he stressed that it’s far too early to make any big declarations after just one practice.
A lot of that development has been tied to quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer. Beck credited Detmer for staying in constant contact with the other coaches who have worked with Underwood, keeping the quarterback’s growth aligned and consistent across the board.
Michigan’s passing game already has a few names starting to separate from the pack. Beck singled out Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan as receivers who have stood out early, and he also mentioned freshmen Travis Johnson and Salesi Moa as players who have made strong first impressions. Just as important, he said the timing and chemistry between the quarterbacks and receivers has improved a lot since spring practice and summer workouts.
That chemistry is part of a bigger offensive approach. Beck explained that Michigan wants its receivers to play fast within the structure of the offense, giving them enough freedom in their routes to find space against different coverages while still operating within the system.
Up front, the competition is still very much alive. Beck pointed to center Jake Guarnera and right tackle Andrew Sprague as early standouts, but he said the battles at left tackle and both guard spots are still wide open. He also talked about the “Rhino” role, Michigan’s sixth offensive lineman package, describing it as a spot that calls for a highly physical player and could be filled by either an offensive or defensive lineman depending on personnel.
Beck also expects Zack Marshall to be a meaningful piece this season. He noted Marshall’s gains in the weight room and said the lineman has been working back from injury, but should be ready for the opener. Another name he brought up was Mason Bonner, who Beck sees as an intriguing hybrid option with the ability to line up at both tight end and wide receiver.
Among the freshmen, five-star running back Savion Hiter was impossible to ignore. Beck praised Hiter’s natural ability, physical tools and work ethic, and said the newcomer is expected to contribute early in his Michigan career.
He finished by tipping his cap to defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s group. Beck called the defense fundamentally sound and tough to prepare for, saying its multiple fronts, disguised coverages and overall complexity give Michigan’s offense a valuable challenge every time practice starts.
It was only practice No. 1, and Beck made sure that part never got lost. But the early signs he pointed to were hard to miss: a quarterback building confidence, receivers starting to emerge, and a roster still sorting out its best pieces as camp begins.
In Other News...
Michigan Fall Camp Opens With Fresh Buzz Around Two Young Wolverines
Fall camp has opened in Ann Arbor with the usual mix of new faces, open jobs and early August energy, and Michigans attention is already drifting toward the positions that can shape the season. Linebacker, backup quarterback, left tackle and the defensive line all figure to be under the microscope as the Wolverines start sorting out who fits where, with the early days of practice offering the first real clues about how the depth chart might settle.
There is also a little extra buzz around two young Wolverines who have already drawn national notice before the pads really come on. Bryce Underwood and Jordan Marshall were both named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, a reminder that Michigans future remains a major part of the conversation even as camp battles unfold. For a roster trying to balance immediate answers with long-term upside, that kind of recognition only adds to the intrigue surrounding the next few weeks. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Loses A Veteran Lineman To A Sudden Fall Camp Setback
Michigans defensive line room took a hit during fall camp when senior Chibi Anwunah stepped away from the program after four seasons in Ann Arbor. A Michigan spokesperson confirmed the veteran lineman has been a steady presence across 15 games, with most of his work coming on special teams, where depth and reliability matter as much as size and power.
Anwunahs departure leaves one more hole for the Wolverines to account for as camp moves forward, especially with the season approaching and roster roles still being sorted out. The program has not disclosed the medical issue behind the move, leaving the situation as a quiet but meaningful setback for a veteran who had carved out a place on the teams depth chart and in its weekly preparation. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans First Fall Roster Hint Just Changed A Few Position Battles
Michigan opened fall camp with a roster update that offered the first real glimpse of how the depth chart may sort itself out, and the early takeaway is that several newcomers are already forcing their way into the conversation. Freshmen like edge rusher Carter Meadows and offensive lineman Malakai Lee drew attention for their physical development and the chance they could factor into the rotation sooner rather than later, while a few listed position switches also suggest the staff is still tinkering with the best way to deploy its talent.
IMarion Stewarts move from wide receiver to cornerback stands out as one of the clearer signs that Michigan is willing to reshape roles to fit both need and upside. The roster also left some unanswered questions at a couple of spots, and with camp just getting started, the bigger test will be whether those early hints settle into real jobs before the season begins. [Read more 🡒]