Everyone will have a chance to check out Kyle Whittingham’s revamped Michigan squad during the annual Maize vs. Blue Spring Game on April 18. Meanwhile, conversations about the Wolverines’ outlook for the upcoming season are picking up, with insights coming from voices like Conor Stalions.
Conor Stalions Praises Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
Stalions expressed huge confidence in Whittingham as Michigan’s new head coach during an appearance on “The Aaron Torres Podcast” on Monday.
“I personally don’t even think there’s that much talk by me; his resume is the film of Utah, kind of speaks for itself,” Stalions said. “I love his press conferences because he just answers your question with the fewest words possible. You can tell he’s just about football.
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“They asked him a question. He’s just like, well, we’re gonna be physical. What else am I gonna say, like let me go watch my football? I don’t want to be here. I mean, he seems like a really good coach, and the staff seems great. They seem very organized.”
Whittingham was named Michigan’s head coach in December 2025, signing a five-year contract that averages $8.2 million per year. He arrived in Ann Arbor following 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach and 32 years overall with the Utes. Under his leadership, Utah enjoyed winning records in 18 of 21 seasons, achieved 10-plus wins nine times, and captured back-to-back Pac-12 Championships and Rose Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, who led the Wolverines to a 9-4 record as a freshman, also endorsed Whittingham’s arrival, according to Stalions.
“I don’t talk to Bryce Underwood a crazy amount,” Stalions said. “But yeah, I’ve known him since high school. I know he likes him, the QB coach, and the staff. I know they’re excited; they got a few transfers in from out west.”
Whittingham’s target in spring practice was to turn Underwood into a “completely finished” product. The signal-caller, who was the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, passed for 2,428 yards in his debut season but struggled with turnovers late in the year, including a three-interception performance in the Citrus Bowl loss to Texas. He finished last season with a 78 score in the PFSN College Football QB Impact Metric.
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If Whittingham can fully develop Underwood, Michigan’s offense is expected to make a major leap in 2026. However, the coach remains grounded about his expectations for his first year.
“Well, hopefully they’re (the players) disciplined, play smart football, avoid sloppy penalties, ignorant penalties, play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, good on special teams,” Whittingham said (via SI). “There are some telltale signs that you can look for to determine how well coached you are and how you’re doing in that regard.”
Michigan will kick off the 2026 season at home against Western Michigan on Sept. 5.
