After the Citrus Bowl, Michigan is officially entering the Kyle Whittingham era. With many questions surrounding the Wolverines and the transfer portal opening within 24 hours, the primary focus is now on roster retention, especially for Bryce Underwood.
The fans are speculating how Whittingham might be able to hold onto the prized $12M possession of their program, and it seems it might involve tempting Underwood with a new offensive coordinator.
Kyle Whittingham Pushing to Keep Bryce Underwood
Richard Johnson, on the latest episode of “College Football Insiders,” revealed that Whittingham was eyeing a reunion with his Utah OC, Jason Beck. Beck utilizes a versatile, run-heavy system that blends pro-style and spread concepts, designed to be quarterback-friendly and that might help Underwood leverage his dual-threat skills.
“If I’m Michigan and I’m Bryce Underwood, though, theoretically, that coordinator situation is as good as you can want. Bryce Underwood’s got phenomenal physical tools, physical abilities, and his ability to run the ball in addition to throwing is going to make him, and is what has already made him, such a prized prospect for Michigan and LSU obviously, last year,” Johnson said.
“Just thinking about that offense and him being in that offense, that style of offense, I think Michigan fans should be salivating at that. I think that’d be the best case scenario for Bryce Underwood.”
PFSN’s College Offense Impact (OFFi) ranked Utah 7th nationally this season, well above Michigan’s 29th rank. In addition, Underwood only secured a score of 78.1, per PFSN’s College QB Impact (QBi). So, Underwood might already be aware of the impact playing under Beck’s offense could have on him.
Not to mention that Underwood’s elite arm strength, playmaking mobility, and football IQ could be perfectly honed to align with Jason Beck’s versatile, RPO-heavy offensive system. The return of Justice Haynes could also ease the process if he decides to forego the 2026 NFL draft. This could easily make Michigan a top-15 offense next season.
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However, negotiations around Beck’s buyout could be a sticky part, as he is currently under a $4M contract with Utah. But given Michigan’s financial power, it could be a matter of when. Whittingham has already retained the current Michigan RB coach, Tony Alford. He also expected his staff to reach “full strength within a week.”
Now, the complete focus shifts to the transfer portal and how Whittingham builds the roster for the future around Underwood. But one thing is sure, Michigan will have a new identity, rejuvenated offense, and physicality oozing on the field.
