Bryce Underwood Reacts to Kyle Whittingham Hire as Michigan Begins New Era
The Michigan Wolverines are turning the page-and quarterback Bryce Underwood is on board.
Just weeks after a turbulent exit by former head coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan officially introduced longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham as the new man in charge. Whittingham, who stepped down from the Utes after more than two decades at the helm, brings a résumé that speaks for itself: 22 seasons, 177 wins, and a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in college football.
Athletic director Warde Manuel called Whittingham a “well-respected and highly successful head coach,” and the move signals a clear intent from Michigan to stabilize and elevate the program after a rocky finish to the 2025 campaign.
For Underwood, the timing of the hire couldn’t be more important.
The freshman quarterback is still preparing for one final game this season-Michigan’s upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas-but questions about his future in Ann Arbor have lingered. After a season that saw him flash potential but also face growing pains, Underwood’s commitment to the program was a topic of speculation, especially after a viral social media hoax earlier this month suggested he might enter the transfer portal. That rumor turned out to be nothing more than parody, but it stirred up enough noise to put Underwood’s name in the spotlight.
Now, with Whittingham officially on board, Underwood is making his stance clear. According to a report from 247Sports, the young quarterback said he’s “excited” about the hire-a simple word, but a significant one given the context.
And there’s reason for that excitement.
Whittingham built his legacy at Utah by developing tough, disciplined teams that played with an edge. His Utes were known for their physicality, defensive prowess, and a no-nonsense approach that often turned overlooked recruits into stars. That kind of culture could be exactly what Michigan needs right now, especially with a young quarterback like Underwood looking to take the next step.
Underwood’s freshman year was a mixed bag, but the talent is evident. He completed 179 of 293 passes for 2,229 yards, throwing nine touchdowns against six interceptions. Michigan finished the regular season at 9-3, a step forward from their 8-5 mark in 2024, but the year ended under the shadow of Moore’s departure and the off-field scandal that surrounded it.
Now, the focus shifts to the future. And Underwood’s reaction to Whittingham’s arrival is a strong early sign that Michigan’s locker room is ready to rally behind its new leader.
There’s still one more game to play, and it’s a big one. The Citrus Bowl against Texas will be a measuring stick-not just for Underwood, but for the Wolverines as a whole. It’s a chance to end the season on a high note, and perhaps more importantly, to lay the foundation for what’s next under Whittingham.
Michigan fans have every reason to be watching closely. A new era is beginning in Ann Arbor, and Bryce Underwood looks ready to be a part of it.