Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham has named true freshman Tommy Carr the backup quarterback heading into fall camp, a move that underscores the coaching staff’s confidence in the youngster’s spring breakthrough.
A family legacy reborn
Carr’s ascent is amplified by his family ties; his grandfather Lloyd Carr famously led the Wolverines to a 1997 national championship, a pedigree that adds a narrative layer to his rapid rise.
During the spring game, Carr completed 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards while adding 59 rushing yards, a performance that helped him edge out redshirt freshman Chase Herbstreit, who also impressed but ultimately finished behind the newcomer.
Other storylines shaping the quarterback room
The competition is further shaped by the absence of Brady Smigiel, Michigan’s top 2026 recruit who suffered an ACL tear in October 2023, and by the late addition of Brayden Fowler‑Nicolosi, who was not yet on the roster when the depth chart was set.
Transfer Colin Hurley, who arrived from LSU, departed the program before Carr’s promotion, leaving the quarterback room with a mix of youthful talent and experienced holdovers.
Spring practice rules mandated even fronts and a two‑high safety look, a tactical constraint that limited the game’s intensity but still provided a clear stage for the quarterback battle to unfold.
With the depth chart now set, the Wolverines look to blend Carr’s fresh arm with the experience of returning players, aiming to translate spring momentum into a competitive season.