Michigan football has a clear path to the top, but it starts with one simple rule: run the ball. Head coach Kyle Whittingham laid out this exact game plan during his 45-minute session at the 2026 Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. The message to fans is loud and clear. The offense will not just throw the ball; it will use the run game to set up the pass and protect their young quarterback.
Building a Run Game First
Whittingham made it known that he was surprised by the heavy pressure sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood faced last season. The coach noted that the rush was on Underwood almost instantly after every snap. To fix this, the staff has two main goals. They need to shore up the offensive line and build a strong running game. According to On3 Wolverines, Whittingham believes a strong run game is a quarterback’s best friend because it takes the pressure off.
If the running backs can gain chunk yardage up the middle, it changes how the defense plays. It forces the opponent to commit more players to stop the run. This opens up the passing game later. The coach sees no reason why Underwood cannot be very successful if he keeps working hard and stays on his current path.
Using the Quarterback’s Speed
Bryce Underwood is not just a passer. He has the speed to run the ball like a tailback. Whittingham pointed out that the defensive coordinator wants a quarterback who sits still in the pocket. But that does not work in the college game. You must have a quarterback run game as part of the scheme. If you do not, you are missing a huge benefit.
Underwood is elusive and good at extending plays. He can break the pocket and make something happen when the play breaks down. This ability puts the offense in a plus-1 situation. The defense cannot account for the quarterback unless they bring their free safety down. This creates holes for other players to exploit. Per On3 Wolverines, the coach sees all the right attributes in Underwood to make this work.
Team Alignment and High Standards
The entire team is on the same page now. Junior running back Jordan Marshall said that a 9-3 season is not good enough for Michigan. He wants to get that right. When everyone says the same thing and aligns toward the same goal, the team goes through the roof. Marshall believes this is what Whittingham and the new staff are trying to do.
The focus is now on going 1-0 every single week. The players know what the expectations are. They are ready to become the best team they can be. Senior defensive tackle Trey Pierce also spoke at the event, showing that the whole roster is bought in. The path is set. The work starts now in fall camp.
