ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham said the team’s offense is progressing on schedule through the first five practices of fall camp, with improvements in the passing game and offensive line giving him reason for optimism.
“We’re right on schedule as far as offensive install, where we are execution-wise,” Whittingham said. “We’re obviously a long ways from where we need to be.”
Whittingham said the passing game has looked cleaner than it did during spring practice, while pass protection also has improved despite being tested by Michigan’s defensive front.
“The pass game, as we mentioned, it’s much cleaner right now than it was anytime during spring ball,” Whittingham said. “The pass pro seems to be on an upward trajectory.”
The Wolverines still have several questions to answer along the offensive line, particularly as they determine their best five players regardless of position.
“We’ve got to get the best five football players out there,” Whittingham said.
Offensive line competition continues
The left tackle competition remains unsettled, with Andrew Babalola, Evan Link and Blake Frazier receiving the majority of repetitions at the position, Whittingham said.
Michigan expects to have a clearer picture of its depth chart after roughly 10 practices.
Whittingham said that is typically when coaches begin making more definitive decisions about where to concentrate repetitions and what the two-deep depth chart could look like.
“You get about 10 practices under your belt, that’s about the time where you really start to make some definitive decisions,” Whittingham said.
The Wolverines also continue to build chemistry in a new offensive system.
Whittingham said the offense is beginning to look more organized as players become more comfortable with formations, personnel groupings and substitutions.
“Everything’s starting to tighten up,” Whittingham said. “But we still got, again, a ways to go.”
Underwood showing progress
Whittingham offered an encouraging assessment of quarterback Bryce Underwood, who is entering his second season with the Wolverines.
The coach said Underwood has made strides in several areas, including decision-making, pocket presence and getting the ball out more quickly.
“He’s getting the ball out quicker,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham also said Underwood appears more confident in the offensive line than he was a year ago.
That confidence, combined with continued work with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, should help Underwood keep developing as Michigan moves closer to the season.
“He is really continuing to be coachable,” Whittingham said.
Receivers looking to emerge
Michigan also is searching for additional playmakers at wide receiver alongside Andrew Marsh.
Whittingham singled out JJ Buchanan as one player who has stood out during camp.
The 6’3”, 215-pound receiver has impressed with his ability to make contested catches and use his size and athleticism downfield.
“At times unguardable in practice,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham also praised Salesi Moa, Jaime Ffrench and Channing Goodwin as receivers who have emerged during camp.
The goal is to have about seven receivers the coaching staff feels comfortable playing in games.
Whittingham said the Wolverines currently have roughly five to five-and-a-half players in that group.
Young players making impressions
Two freshman edge rushers, Carter Meadows and Tariq Boney, have made positive early impressions, though their opportunities have been limited by Michigan’s summer bridge program.
Whittingham said the freshmen have only been available for a handful of practices because of classes and orientation requirements.
“What we have seen has been very encouraging,” Whittingham said of Meadows.
The Wolverines also are evaluating a crowded cornerback competition.
Smith Snowden, Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill are among the players competing for roles, with Shamari Earls also making a strong impression through five practices.
Staling making impact at linebacker
Nathaniel Staehling, a transfer from North Dakota State, has quickly emerged as a factor on Michigan’s defense.
Whittingham praised Staling’s instincts, tackling ability, block destruction and football intelligence.
“He’s a guy that’s going to figure in prominently in the defense this year,” Whittingham said.
Staling missed spring practice because of an injury but has been able to participate during fall camp.
Whittingham said the linebacker has quickly picked up Michigan’s defensive system and shown many of the qualities the staff expected when he arrived.
Whittingham emphasizes special teams
Special teams remain a priority for Whittingham, who said starters can contribute on those units, particularly if it gives them another opportunity to touch the ball.
He singled out punt coverage and return units as important areas while working to balance the workload for starters.
Whittingham said he attends every special teams meeting and remains involved in the unit while allowing special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs to run the operation.
His background as a special teams coordinator and years coaching specialists at Utah have shaped his approach.
“If the head coach puts an emphasis on it, players really buy in,” Whittingham said.
Michigan-Ohio State rivalry remains priority
Whittingham also addressed comments he previously made about Michigan’s rivalry with Ohio State that drew attention during Big Ten media days.
He emphasized that beating the Buckeyes remains a major priority for the Wolverines.
“We’re not trying to downplay that at all. It’s a huge game, gigantic,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham acknowledged he could have worded his previous comments differently but said the rivalry remains firmly in the minds of Michigan’s players and coaches.
“That game is of the utmost importance,” Whittingham said.
With camp still in its early stages, Whittingham said Michigan has plenty of work remaining before the Wolverines settle on their depth chart.
But after five practices, he believes the pieces are beginning to come together, the passing game is improving, and the offensive line competition is taking shape.
Several young players are pushing for larger roles as Michigan prepares for the 2026 season.