Here’s how Michigan’s coaching hire could impact the future of Bryce Underwood.
Topping the list of people curious about Michigan’s next move was Bryce Underwood, the five-star freshman quarterback who led the Wolverines to a 9–3 record and Citrus Bowl appearance in 2025. "Very excited to figure out what kind of guy he is,” Underwood said of Whittingham to reporters Saturday ahead of No.
18 Michigan’s Dec. 31 matchup against No. 13 Texas . “I don't really know too much about him. I'm just excited to figure out what kind of guy he is.”Whittingham, 66, has shaped Utah into one of the most consistent college football programs in the nation over the last two decades. The Utes finished with double-digit wins eight times and finished with a winning record in all but three of his 22 seasons with the university. Utah went 10–2 in 2025 and punched their ticket to a Las Vegas Bowl matchup against Nebraska. “I seen his résumé a little earlier today, actually,” Underwood said. “So I'm just excited to ask him a few questions, get to that point, and things like that.”Underwood didn’t quite live up to expectations as a freshman, completing 61.1% of his pass attempts for 2,229 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. His 131.0 passer rating ranked 11th among qualified Big Ten quarterbacks. Still, though, Underwood’s future in college football looks bright. Whether or not that future is played out at Michigan heavily leans on the Wolverines’ new coach. As of Saturday, Underwood hasn’t made up his mind—although he did say Whittingham’s choice for offensive coordinator as well as the style of his offense will impact the quarterback’s decision. Whittingham is reportedly targeting Utah OC Jason Beck "Right now we're about to play this bowl game, so that's the main focus in my head right now," he said. "After Dec. 31st, we'll figure it out."reported that a source knowledgable of Underwood’s pending decision said “it’s not like he’s looking to leave Michigan.” Underwood and the Wolverines will take the field Dec. 31 against Texas in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve.Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.
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