Michigan Keeps Bryce Underwood and Jason Beck in Charge

Staying the course on offense

Michigan is keeping Bryce Underwood as its starting quarterback and Jason Beck as its play caller. Head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed both decisions on Monday following the team open week.

The Wolverines offense struggled through its first five games. Problems peaked on Oct. 3 during a 20-14 loss at Minnesota. Michigan managed only 180 total yards, one score, and three turnovers. After that game, Whittingham labeled the performance unacceptable and hinted that tough decisions might follow.

He settled the matter on Monday. Whittingham said Beck will call plays and Underwood is their guy as they move forward.

Quarterback reps and turnover troubles

Backup quarterback Tommy Carr took roughly half the practice reps with the first team offense during the break. Carr is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. Whittingham explained that splitting reps was always the plan for the open week. Carr has played only briefly this season, completing both of his pass attempts late in a blowout win against UTEP.

Underwood is in his second year as the Michigan starter, but this is his first season working with Whittingham and Beck. The quarterback is completing 59.3% of his throws with five touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also rushed for 212 yards and two scores.

Whittingham stated that the staff continues working to put everyone in position to succeed. He pointed directly to ball security as the biggest issue, saying the team will keep losing games if it continues to lose the turnover battle. Whittingham still trusts Beck, who ran his offense at Utah in 2025. That group finished second nationally in rushing and fourth in total yards and scoring.

What it means for the next game

Michigan now prepares to host a major conference opponent this weekend.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Wolverines (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): Michigan Wolverines win 66%, Penn State Nittany Lions win 34%; projected score Michigan Wolverines 24, Penn State Nittany Lions 18. Our safest pick: Michigan to win.