Fall camp is finally here for the Michigan Wolverines, and the pressure is on. The team heads into this week to prep for the 2026 season under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. There is one clear problem that could sink the whole year before it starts. The offensive line is a mess, and the quarterback spot is still a huge question mark. This single issue stands between this team and a championship run.
The Quarterback Uncertainty Looms Large
Bryce Underwood is listed as the starter, but that doesn’t mean he owns the job yet. According to On3 Wolverines, Clayton Sayfie believes the quarterback situation is the biggest question mark for this young offense. He asked how good Underwood will be this year and if the team can maximize the talent around him. That is a fair concern. Underwood needs to find more consistency through the air while making an impact on the ground. If he struggles, the whole offense stalls. The depth chart shows Tommy Carr, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Chase Herbstreit, and Brady Smigiel waiting in the wings. Carr had an incredible spring and summer, which gives him the inside track for the backup role. But the starter must perform now.
A Thin Backfield With High Hopes
The running game looks promising on paper, but the depth is thin. Following a sophomore breakout that saw him rush for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns, Jordan Marshall is the projected starter. He is a leader, but he can’t do it alone. Per Maize n Brew, true freshman Savion Hiter is so good that this might be a “1A-1B” situation. Hiter brings speed, power, and pass-catching upside that Marshall might not have. Beyond those two, the options get scarce. Bryson Kuzdzal is the third choice, and freshman Jonathan Brown is next. Micah Ka’apana would have played a bigger role, but a leg injury ruled him out for the season. That loss hurts the rotation. The team needs Hiter to step up immediately because the bench is short.
The Trenches Need Work Immediately
The wide receiver room is deep, with sophomores Andrew Marsh and J.J. Buchanan leading the charge. They have a big collection of players behind them, including Utah transfer J.J. Buchanan and Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench. But the offensive line is the real worry. Sayfie remarked that determining who plays where requires a ton of work to be done there. This group has to figure out its lineup fast. If the line breaks down, Underwood has no time to throw. If the line breaks down, Marshall has no room to run. The first month of camp will define the season. The staff has Mike Boynton Jr. adding to the mix, but the players on the field must solve the puzzle. The receivers are ready. The backs are ready. The line must be ready too.
