Michigan has decided on its QB1 despite latest struggles

Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Michigan has decided on its QB1 despite latest struggles

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 28, 2026 3:34 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines are making a change at the quarterback position.

In Week 9 against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Michigan is expected to start freshman Tommy Carr, according to Pete Nakos of On3.

Bryce Underwood, the highly recruited five-star prospect, has thrown for 924 yards with 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as Michigan has gotten off to a shaky 4-3 start in his first season with Kyle Whittingham as the head coach.

Underwood was benched during the Week 7 game against Penn State, although Underwood was seen celebrating after Carr scored a touchdown in the Wolverines’ 21-18 win.

NEW: Michigan is expected to start QB Tommy Carr against Rutgers on Saturday, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/Gu8Kuc2AT9 pic.twitter.com/w6PYn3uiDL
— On3 (@On3) October 28, 2026

Carr then started against the Indiana Hoosiers, but he went 20-of-32 for 167 yards with an interception in the 13-6 overtime loss, leading many to wonder if Underwood would start against Rutgers.

Tommy Carr is the younger brother of Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr, who was on hand to watch the Michigan-Indiana game. He also had a reaction to the final play that gave Indiana the win.

The Carr brothers react to the last play from Michigan pic.twitter.com/GfoMGKCht0
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 24, 2026

Michigan is trying to stay alive in the Big Ten Conference standings, but they have a 1-3 record and are sitting near the bottom going into this game against Rutgers.

If Carr doesn’t play well this week, Whittingham might have no choice but to give Underwood another shot at the team’s starting QB.

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