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Donors for the Michigan Wolverines allegedly shelled out an insane amount of money to land Michigan native and five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood in the 2025 recruiting class.
According to reports, the Wolverines agreed to an NIL deal with Underwood that could see him make eight figures over four years in Ann Arbor. But those same donors learned quickly that there is no such thing as a “sure thing” when it comes to college football recruiting.
Underwood struggled as a true freshman, throwing for 2,428 yards, just 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions across 13 starts. In fact, he struggled so much that Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy said that he was no longer interested in getting involved in NIL investments.
When new head coach Kyle Whittingham arrived with the Michigan program, he played down Underwood’s struggles, placing most of the blame at the feet of the former coaching staff.
But now his tune appears to have changed.
Kyle Whittingham Hypes Up Tommy Carr Over Bryce Underwood
One year after signing Underwood, Michigan picked up a commitment for 2026 four-star quarterback Tommy Carr. Carr is also a Michigan native, and just so happens to be the grandson of former Wolverines’ coaching legend Lloyd Carr.
His older brother, CJ, was an elite recruit in the class of 2024 who spurned Michigan for Notre Dame and is currently the starter for the Fighting Irish.
Now it appears his brother could join him in a starting role in 2026.
Carr completed 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards in Michigan’s recent spring game, while Underwood went just 3 of 9 for 22 yards.
“I’m in the facility at 10 at night, and I walk by the quarterback room, and there’s Tommy Carr watching film all by himself,” Whittingham said afterward in an interview with Matt Hayes of USA Today. “He’s completely immersed in his development as far as trying to get better.”
He made no mention of Underwood doing the same.
Sooner or later, Whittingham is going to have to address the elephant in the room. But right now, it appears Bryce Underwood should be looking over his shoulder.