Michigan sticking with Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood despite major offensive struggles

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Michigan sticking with Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood despite major offensive struggles

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 10, 2026 5:20 PM ET

Not much has gone right for the Michigan Wolverines this season.

Week 1 starter Bryce Underwood struggled in the early parts of the season, leading to head coach Kyle Whittingham making a change at quarterback. That change was to freshman Tommy Carr, who has arguably struggled more than Underwood.

Whittingham announced Monday that there would be an open competition at practice for the starting job Saturday against Oregon, and after just two days of practice, a starter has been named.

Michigan is staying with Tommy Carr as QB1

According to college football insider Pete Nakos, Michigan will be sticking with Carr as its starting quarterback on Saturday. It's a bit of an odd choice, though, as the Wolverines offense has failed to score a touchdown in two of three starts made by Carr.

Carr's stats look much better than the product he's actually put on the field, as they are highly inflated due to an excellent game against Rutgers, the No. 121-ranked defense in college football.

NEW: Michigan will start QB Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood against Oregon on Saturday, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/FSbQaYlC2k https://t.co/tsjdTDbrcB pic.twitter.com/OP3lvoyzzu
— On3 (@On3) November 10, 2026

Bryce Underwood is expected to play some kind of role

While it is Carr that's been named the starter, ESPN's college football insider Pete Thamel has reported that Underwood is expected to play in some capacity.

Underwood has played just one snap across Michigan's previous three games, carrying one time for -1 yard against Indiana on Oct. 24. Overall, he has five touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games played.

From College Football Live today. Update on Michigan’s QB Derby. Expect both Tommy Carr and Bryce Underwood to play at Oregon, with Carr the expected starter, per sources. pic.twitter.com/M79suoIRxo
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 10, 2026

What will Michigan's offense look like with a new play-caller?

One thing that will be different for the Wolverines against Oregon will be their play-caller. Former offensive coordinator Jason Bech was fired after a 15-6 loss to Michigan State, meaning that Michigan will have a new play-caller on Saturday.

It will be offensive line coach Jim Harding who takes over play-calling duties, and he won't have to do much to be an improvement. It will be intriguing to see if the Michigan offense benefits from a new voice or if the quarterback situation will need to be addressed in the offseason.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: