ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines football head coach Kyle Whittingham praised the university’s basketball and hockey programs, highlighted progress in spring practice, and addressed injuries during a news conference this week.
Whittingham opened by congratulating Michigan’s men’s basketball team and coach Dusty May on what he called an “incredible season” that culminated in a national championship.
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“What a year. Incredible season. National champions,” Whittingham said. “Just a fun team to watch and so proud of those guys.”
Spring Game
Turning to football, Whittingham said Michigan is about two-thirds of the way through spring practice, calling the first 10 sessions “very productive” with steady improvement on both sides of the ball.
“Offense is progressing, defense is progressing. Everything is on track to where you would hope it would be,” Whittingham said.
He said the team has installed new schemes on offense and defense and has avoided major setbacks, though he acknowledged the loss of running back Micah Ka’apana to a lower-leg injury.
“Unfortunately, he is out for the season,” Whittingham said. “That’s a loss for us.”
Whittingham said he could not provide many specifics on the injury to running back Ka’apana, citing privacy limitations.
“With HIPAA, whatever those are, lower leg,” Whittingham said. “That’s about as specific as I can get.”
He added that the injury is a setback for a player who had been performing well during spring practices.
“It’s a shame, too, because he was having a good spring,” Whittingham said. “He’s a tough kid, and he’ll be missed. But you’ve got to move on.”
Whittingham said the injury opens up competition within the Wolverines’ running back group, particularly behind the top contributors.
“Jordan and Savion are there, and Kuzdzal, I shouldn’t forget him, he’s a heck of a player,” Whittingham said. “Bryson is in that mix as well. We’ve got those top guys, and then some others battling to see who’s going to be that fourth guy.”
With Ka’apana sidelined, Whittingham said that role is now unsettled heading into further practices.
“It was going to be Micah, but now that’s a competition,” Whittingham said.
Running back room
Despite the setback, Whittingham said Michigan’s running back room remains strong, led by Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter, along with Bryson Kuzdzal.
Bryce Underwood
At quarterback, Whittingham said Bryce Underwood has made “definite” progress, particularly in footwork and decision-making.
“He’s improved overall without a doubt,” Whittingham said. “Still a work in progress, as is the whole football team.”
Surprises during spring camp
Whittingham said several players have made significant progress during spring practice, highlighting quarterback Tommy Carr and freshman wide receiver Salesi Moa.
Whittingham described Carr as a “pleasant surprise,” noting his steady development throughout the spring.
“He’s really progressed and emerged as, at least for now, the No. 2 guy,” Whittingham said. “If we had to play tomorrow, he’d be the backup.”
Carr is expected to face additional competition when fall camp begins.
At wide receiver, Whittingham pointed to Moa as another standout.
“He’s done some really good things,” Whittingham said. “He’s really made strides.”
Moa, a freshman who arrived just a few months ago, has quickly adjusted and impressed coaches during early practices.
Whittingham said the team’s young linebackers have shown notable improvement during spring practice.
With limited experience returning at the position, Whittingham said a group of newcomers has stepped into larger roles.
“We had very little experience returning at that spot and a bunch of new guys,” Whittingham said. “Those guys have really stepped up and are progressing.”
The development at linebacker is a key focus for Michigan as it continues to build depth on defense ahead of the upcoming season.
Defensive line
Whittingham said the team’s defensive line has emerged as one of its deepest position groups during spring practice.
“We feel really good about the depth up front on defense,” Whittingham said.
He added that Michigan currently has about five defensive tackles and five defensive ends capable of contributing, giving the team a strong rotation.
“If you’ve got two-and-a-half deep at each spot, inside and outside, then you’ve got a pretty good rotation going,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham said the group has taken meaningful steps forward this spring and could be a major strength for the team heading into the season.
Whittingham highlighted several linebackers who have stood out during spring practice, noting continued development within a position group with limited returning experience.
Chase Taylor has been among the most consistent performers, according to Whittingham, along with veteran Troy Bowles, who has primarily contributed on special teams but is expanding his role at linebacker.
Another player who has “flashed,” Whittingham said, is Nathaniel Au, adding that he is still learning the position at the college level.
“Those would be the top three right now,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham also praised special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs, calling him an energetic and passionate addition to the staff.
“He’s got a lot of juice and a lot of passion for what he’s doing,” Whittingham said. “We’ll be very solid on special teams with him running the show.”
Steady progress
Whittingham said the offense has shown steady progress during spring practice, with several players adapting well to new schemes.
“I think really the whole offense has progressed and is doing really good things,” Whittingham said.
He highlighted Hiter, the true freshman, as a standout, particularly for his ability in pass protection.
“He’s a great fit for this offense and has really impressed me with his blitz pickup,” Whittingham said. “That’s part of the job description for a running back, and for a true freshman, he’s doing a really good job.”
Looking ahead, Whittingham emphasized the importance of player-led development between the spring game and fall camp, when coaches have limited access.
“They can go out there and do their player-run practices,” Whittingham said. “That’s going to be critical.”
With new systems being installed on both sides of the ball and several young players contributing, Whittingham said offseason work will be key to maintaining progress.
“We have to have a lot of production over the course of the summer,” Whittingham said. “That’s up to the players.”
He added that the team’s leadership gives him confidence that the work will get done.
“We’ve got really good leadership on this team,” Whittingham said. “I don’t doubt that it’s going to happen.”
Tempo
Whittingham said the program has emphasized a faster, more efficient practice structure during spring workouts.
“We push the tempo from start to finish,” Whittingham said. “I don’t believe in being on the practice field for hours and hours. If you can be more efficient and get it done in a more compressed amount of time, that works best.”
Whittingham said the approach is designed to keep players fresh while maintaining productivity, and he credited the team for adapting quickly to the change.
“They’ve really done a good job responding to the high tempo and the pace at which we’re working,” Whittingham said.
He also noted a shift in discipline and structure, saying players have embraced the expectations.
“They were hungry and willing,” Whittingham said. “Our structure is different than what they were used to, but they caught on really quickly.”
While acknowledging the team is not perfect, Whittingham said discipline has not been a major issue during the spring.
“We’ve had very few issues,” Whittingham said. “I think we’ve got a really high-character group of guys.”
Whittingham said players have embraced increased expectations around discipline and structure during spring practice.
“They were hungry and willing,” Whittingham said.
While noting the team was not previously undisciplined, Whittingham said the program’s current approach differs from what players were accustomed to, requiring a brief adjustment period.
“Our structure is different than what they were used to,” Whittingham said. “But they caught on really quickly.”
Whittingham said the transition has gone smoothly, with minimal issues over the past several months.
“We’ve had very few issues, discipline-wise,” Whittingham said. “We’re not perfect, but I think we’ve got a really high-character group of guys.”
Showcasing twos and threes
Whittingham said the program’s spring game will primarily serve as an evaluation tool for younger players rather than a traditional starter-heavy scrimmage.
Whittingham said the goal is to get an “in-depth, concentrated look” at second- and third-team players in a controlled game-like setting.
“We’re not going to put a guy in there that we know what he can do,” Whittingham said. “It’s a chance to showcase the twos and threes in as close to a game environment as we can.”
The teams will be split evenly by position groups, with coaches dividing players into A and B groups before drafting rosters for the Maize and Blue squads.
“It’s an equal division,” Whittingham said. “A is not necessarily better than B.”
He said the format is designed to ensure competitive balance rather than a traditional first-team-versus-second-team structure.
“If the Maize team picks first, the offensive line will take the A group, then the Blue team will pick running backs,” Whittingham said. “It takes about three minutes to get through it.”
Whittingham said some established players may be held out of the spring game, with a dozen to 18 players potentially not participating depending on health and workload.
“If we get low on bodies, we can always revert to an offense-versus-defense scrimmage,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham added that final participation decisions will be made after additional spring practices.
Offensive line
Whittingham said the offensive line has dealt with some minor injuries this spring but is expected to be in solid shape moving forward.
“We think we’re going to be just fine ultimately on the offensive line,” Whittingham said. “It’s been a little bit of shuffling in and out during spring with some nagging injuries, nothing serious.”
He said the group has recently regained several players and is trending in a positive direction.
“We did get a couple guys back this week,” Whittingham said. “If we continue to trend the way we are, we should be pretty solid up front on offense.”
Whittingham also confirmed that Jake Guarnera is working as the team’s starting center and has emerged as a leader of the unit.
“He’s had a terrific spring,” Whittingham said. “He’s probably the leader of that offensive line group.”
Strengths of Team 147
Whittingham outlined his team’s early spring strengths and remaining concerns during a media availability this week, noting that the roster picture is becoming clearer after 10 practices.
After entering spring ball without a firm evaluation of the roster, the coach said several position groups have begun to emerge as strengths, led by the defensive line and running back room.
“We feel like we’ve got a really solid group there,” Whittingham said, referring to Marshall and Hiter, while also noting contributions from Ka’apana before his injury setback.
At wide receiver, Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan have stood out as early leaders in a group that has “had really good springs,” according to the coach.
Defensively, Whittingham highlighted continued development across the roster, particularly among younger players.
“The young linebackers are really taking steps forward,” Whittingham said, adding that the group had limited returning experience but has shown steady improvement through spring practice.
While several areas are trending positively, the coach pointed to the secondary’s depth as a key area that still needs development heading into summer and fall camp.
“We feel really good about the ones, but we’ve got to develop more depth behind those guys,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham also emphasized that linebacker depth remains a work in progress, but said additional summer additions could help strengthen the unit.
On offense, he credited offensive line coach Jim Harding for helping stabilize pass protection improvements, while noting offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s ability to adjust schematically to player strengths.
“Between those two guys and their ability to teach and scheme, I think we’re going to be just fine,” Whittingham said.
With spring practices ongoing, the coach said summer development will be critical as players work independently in player-run practices and continue learning new schemes on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve got really good leadership on this team,” Whittingham said. “So I don’t doubt that will happen over the course of the summer.”
Tradition with a twist
Whittingham emphasized the importance of balancing program tradition with his own approach, saying he views his role as preserving the program’s identity while guiding its future direction.
“The tradition, the history here is incredible,” Whittingham said. “It’s as steeped as any program in the country, maybe the most in that aspect.”
Whittingham said Michigan football’s identity extends beyond any single tenure.
“Michigan football was here before I got here, and after I leave, it’s still Michigan football,” Whittingham said. “I’m really in a custodial role here, just making sure I’m not here to change any of that tradition or history.”
While he acknowledged implementing his own methods, he said those changes are intended to complement the program’s established foundation rather than alter it.
“I’m very respectful and very aware of all the tradition and history here,” Whittingham said. “I don’t have the right, nor should I have the right, to alter that or change that.”
Whittingham also reflected on the program’s historical figures, saying he has long admired former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, though he never met him in person.
“I observed him, and there’s a set of CDs I listened to 20, 25 years ago, ‘Lasting Lessons with Bo.’ I probably listened to that thing 20 times.”
He added that his appreciation for Schembechler’s legacy grew as he studied his teachings and philosophy over the years.
Speaking about his early days around the program, Whittingham said he has already connected with several prominent figures tied to Michigan athletics, including former national championship head coach Lloyd Carr.
“I had a chance to meet with Lloyd personally in my office, and what a guy,” Whittingham said. “Just a tremendous human being, sharp, funny. I really enjoyed our conversation.”
Whittingham added that he has made it a priority to engage with former players, coaches, and notable alumni, highlighting the program’s deep-rooted legacy.
Among those he has spoken with are Jack Harbaugh and former Michigan great Tom Brady.
He also said he was scheduled to speak with baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.
“And I’m a Yankee fan from the word go, so that’s going to be big,” Whittingham said of the upcoming conversation with Jeter.
Whittingham noted additional interactions with former basketball coach John Beilein, longtime assistant John “Red” Faulkner, and legendary hockey coach Red Berenson.
He said those encounters have underscored the magnitude of Michigan’s tradition.
“This place is just oozing with all those historical figures,” Whittingham said. “I’m very respectful of them.”
Whittingham discussed his longtime allegiance to the New York Yankees, praising star slugger Aaron Judge.
“Best right-handed hitter in the modern era,” Whittingham said.
He said his fandom dates back decades, recalling being drafted by the Yankees in a youth setting and remaining loyal ever since.
Whittingham also acknowledged Jeter’s brief time connected to Michigan, noting the Hall of Famer’s ties to the university.
Asked about other teams, Whittingham said he also admired the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s, highlighting stars such as Sparky Anderson, Pete Rose, and Johnny Bench from the famed “Big Red Machine.”
Rod Moore
Whittingham said Rod Moore is making gradual progress as he works his way back, though his full return remains uncertain.
“He’s not doing a lot, but he’s on the field,” Whittingham said. “He’s doing some individual drills and moving around. We’ve still got a ways to go, but we think it’s progressing and trending in the right direction.”
Whittingham said Moore’s potential availability would provide a significant boost for the Michigan Wolverines football, particularly if he can return in time for the season opener on Sept. 5.
“That’ll be a huge plus for us if he’s able to go and be in the lineup,” Whittingham said.
Jason Beck
Whittingham pointed to Beck as a key figure in shaping the team’s identity, citing his recent success and adaptable approach.
Whittingham said Beck’s track record, particularly in recent seasons, made him an appealing addition, noting his ability to install an offense quickly and effectively.
“He came in and installed an offense from scratch, much like we’re doing here,” Whittingham said. “The results speak for themselves.”
He highlighted that Beck-led offenses have ranked among the nation’s best statistically, including top finishes in rushing and scoring, crediting his ability to maximize personnel.
“He’s got a unique ability to put his players in the best position to succeed,” Whittingham said. “He’s very good at evaluating what they do well, and the offense will be tailored to the strengths of the players, not vice versa.”
Whittingham emphasized that adaptability is central to Beck’s philosophy, particularly at quarterback, where schemes are built around individual skill sets rather than forcing players into rigid systems.
He added that Beck’s offensive style also supports complementary football, a priority for Michigan football.
“Anytime you’re strong running the ball, you’re going to control the clock,” Whittingham said. “But it’s really about taking care of the football, converting on third downs, and not turning it over. Those are the things that help your defense the most.”
Whittingham said he could not provide many specifics on the injury to running back Ka’apana, citing privacy limitations.
“With HIPAA, whatever those are, lower leg,” Whittingham said. “That’s about as specific as I can get.”
He added that the injury is a setback for a player who had been performing well during spring practices.
“It’s a shame, too, because he was having a good spring,” Whittingham said. “He’s a tough kid, and he’ll be missed. But you’ve got to move on.”
Whittingham said the injury opens up competition within the Wolverines’ running back group, particularly behind the top contributors.
“Jordan and Savion are there, and Kuzdzal, I shouldn’t forget him, he’s a heck of a player,” Whittingham said. “Bryson is in that mix as well. We’ve got those top guys, and then some others battling to see who’s going to be that fourth guy.”
With Ka’apana sidelined, Whittingham said that role is now unsettled heading into further practices.
“It was going to be Micah, but now that’s a competition,” Whittingham said.