⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Kyle Whittingham said Bryce Underwood is markedly ahead of his spring form in footwork, timing, decision-making, command and read progression, although Michigan protected him from live contact throughout camp. - Freshman Tommy Carr won Michigan's backup quarterback job over Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who brought 28 career starts into the competition. - Jordan Marshall is Michigan's clear RB1 after producing 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns primarily as a backup last season. - Five-star freshman Savion Hiter is Michigan's No. 2 back after a promising camp, while experienced Bryson Kuzdzal is third in what Whittingham called a stacked room. - Walk-on Tomas O'Meara has seized Michigan's fourth running-back spot because Micah Ka'apana suffered a season-ending spring injury.

- Bryce Underwood absorbed Michigan's new terminology and scheme quickly enough that the staff could devote more offseason work to his mechanics, fundamentals and situation-specific execution. - Underwood's improved drop depth and quieter base have produced better pocket presence, progression timing and arm mechanics entering his sophomore season. - Michigan has installed quarterback runs as a regular offensive component, with daily coaching devoted to helping Underwood gain productive yards while avoiding unnecessary contact. - Freshman Tommy Carr won Michigan's No. 2 quarterback job over Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi through consistent spring and camp play, and the staff can retain most of the same run-pass scheme if Carr enters. - Michigan's quarterback order behind Underwood is Carr, Fowler-Nicolosi, Brady Smigiel and Chase Herbstreit, with Carr's opener snaps dependent on the first-team offense creating a comfortable margin.

- Michigan projects UNLV transfer Cameron Brown at punter after his 40.6-yard net average ranked 43rd nationally, a meaningful upgrade target for a unit that finished 97th at 38.5 yards last season. - Trey Butkowski is expected to replace Dominic Zvada at kicker after making 19 of 22 attempts for Pittsburgh, offering strong short- and intermediate-range consistency without Zvada's demonstrated 50-yard range. - Starting receiver Andrew Marsh and starting corner Smith Snowden have taken substantial kick- and punt-return reps, while freshman running back Savion Hiter has also worked on kickoff returns. - Marsh is the projected lead returner after averaging 23.6 yards on 16 kickoffs and 11.3 yards on four punts last season, although Michigan must balance that upside against his central offensive role. - Kyle Whittingham's Utah teams were generally conservative about returning kickoffs, so Michigan's willingness to give Marsh and its other starters a green light remains the largest unresolved special-teams strategy question.

- Intel: Michigan 2026 season preview: rapid-fire predictions, breakout players, CFP picks, conference champions, Heisman favorites, and scorching takes

- Enow Etta enters 2026 as Michigan's highest-upside defensive tackle after producing 13 pressures in limited 2025 work, although missed tackles and consistency remain concerns. - True freshman Carter Meadows has grown to more than 252 pounds and is expected to add length, bend and disruption to Michigan's edge rotation even if he is not ready to start. - North Dakota State transfer Nathaniel Staehling is a candidate to become Michigan's green-dot middle linebacker, but his offseason injury and move from the FCS leave coverage and pass-rush translation uncertain. - Sophomore corner Shamari Earls is healthy after an injury-limited freshman year and gives Michigan elite athletic upside behind three established starting cornerbacks. - Mason Curtis is locked into a featured safety role after Michigan lost its other three leading safeties to the portal, and his late-2025 improvement supports a potential junior breakout.

- Andrew Marsh said his chemistry with Bryce Underwood has reached another level after the pair trained together around the country during the offseason. - Jason Beck's new offense is expected to throw more often and give receivers greater freedom to adjust, separate and create explosive plays. - Marsh expects to move throughout the formation and believes he is stronger, faster and more technically complete after offseason work that included training with Jameson Williams. - Marsh set a 1,000-yard receiving goal, while also highlighting JJ Buchanan, Jaime Ffrench and Nathaniel Staehling as pieces in a deeper and more versatile skill group. - Marsh said Kyle Whittingham has brought more structure to the program and that Michigan's offense was already operating at full speed before spring practice began.