The Michigan Wolverines hired Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore just two weeks after he had announced his decision to step down. Before the start of his debut season in Ann Arbor, The Salt Lake Tribune’s Jason Batacao revealed that the injuries of six former Utah players were mishandled during Whittingham’s reign as head coach.
Kyle Whittingham’s Alleged Methods Draw Reactions
The six players who accused the Whittingham regime of mishandling their injuries included wide receiver Mycah Pittman, running back Jaylon Glover, edge rusher Van Fillinger, tight end Miki Suguturaga, defensive lineman Tevita Fotu, and an anonymous player.
Van Fillinger even claimed that, under Whittingham’s direction, positional coach Lewis Powell threatened to dismiss him from the program despite initially agreeing to redshirt the defensive end.
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A joint statement by Utah Athletics and University of Utah Health defended the program’s medical protocols without directly disputing the specific incidents described.
College football analysts on X had mixed reactions to the players’ claims that they were pressured to play before they were fully ready.
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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy blasted the Utes players, writing, “Boo hoo. It’s football. Since when is Utah soft?”
Boo hoo. Its football. Since when is Utah soft? https://t.co/ZADoBeD5KX
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 28, 2026
Drew Berquist dismissed the claims by the ex-Utah players: “This is the biggest non-story ever.”
This is the biggest non-story ever. https://t.co/bPLG0EdYWr
— Drew Berquist (@drewberquist) August 28, 2026
Analyst Trent McGee was tickled by the scandal brewing before Whittingham’s first game at Michigan. He said, “Oh, hell yes. Michigan didn’t make it to Week 0 before their coach is in hot water.”
Oh hell yes. Michigan didn’t make it to Week 0 before their coach is in hot water 😂 https://t.co/J3ZM9EVoGH
— Trent McGee (@stmcgee) August 28, 2026
College football analyst Wilson Ball was skeptical of the claims because of quarterback Cam Rising’s persistent injury absences. He wrote, “Idk where I stand on this because if that were the whole truth, Cam Rising would’ve played a heck of a lot more.”
Idk where I stand on this because if that were the whole truth, Cam Rising would’ve played a heck of a lot more. https://t.co/77oe9BefXx
— Wilson F. Ball (@WillyFoosball) August 28, 2026
An account named ‘Swanky Wolverine’ wrote, “Utah out there competing for the college football softness title with Ohio State.”
‘The Buckeye Nut,’ who cover Ohio State took a dig at Michigan, writing, “Right on brand for Michigan. 😂 At this point, you almost have to respect the commitment to the chaos. What did you expect from Michigan?”
Right on brand for Michigan. 😂
At this point, you almost have to respect the commitment to the chaos.
What did you expect from Michigan? 👀👇 https://t.co/gJcCwlkeWb
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) August 28, 2026
Whittingham finished his 21-year Utah career with a 177-88 record and had 18 winning seasons, including eight 10-win seasons. He also had an 11-6 bowl record and won three conference titles.
