ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham said he has been encouraged by the team’s progress through fall camp, particularly the development of younger players and improved depth at several positions.
With Michigan’s season opener against Western Michigan less than two weeks away, Whittingham highlighted several players who have stood out during camp, including wide receiver Channing Goodwin and defensive ends Carter Meadows, Tariq Boney and Nate Marshall.
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Whittingham said Goodwin has earned a spot in the rotation, while the three young defensive ends have performed well despite competing for playing time in a deep position group.
“Channing Goodwin has really had a nice fall camp,” Whittingham said. “He’s stepped up and is going to be in the rotation.”
Whittingham also said quarterback Bryce Underwood has made significant progress since the spring.
He credited Underwood’s improved understanding of the offense with helping him play faster and make better decisions.
“He’s making really good decisions. He’s taken good care of the football,” Whittingham said.
Whittingham said Underwood’s footwork has improved as well.
He said the quarterback has done a better job of climbing the pocket and stepping into his throws rather than throwing off his back foot.
Whittingham said offensive coordinator Jason Beck has also tailored the offense to Underwood’s strengths.
Whittingham declined to release a depth chart, saying Michigan will let Western Michigan find out who starts when the teams take the field.
The Wolverines also have competition at tight end, where Whittingham expects several players to contribute.
Freshman tight end Mason Bonner has impressed as a receiver after arriving in June, although Whittingham said he still needs to add strength and improve as a blocker.
Michigan is also continuing to build depth along the defensive line and at linebacker and cornerback.
Whittingham said the team has made progress in areas where he previously expressed concerns about depth.
“I’m feeling much better about things than back when I made that statement,” Whittingham said.
Michigan is also preparing for a deep postseason run.
Asked what would need to happen for the Wolverines to be in contention for the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff in November, Whittingham pointed to several areas.
He said Underwood would need to play well and protect the football, while Michigan would need to establish a strong running game, play solid run defense and perform at a high level on special teams.
Whittingham said Michigan’s special teams could become one of the best units in the Big Ten.
The Wolverines are also emphasizing situational football during camp.
Whittingham said the team will begin a mock game-week schedule next week to prepare players for the routine leading into the season opener.
Michigan has practiced a variety of situations, including two-minute and four-minute drills, third downs, red-zone situations and long offensive drives.
Whittingham said the goal is to ensure players have experienced those situations before they encounter them in a game.
“You don’t want something that they’ve never done,” Whittingham said.
Michigan’s first-year coach also said he has been pleased with how players have embraced the new coaching staff.
“The players have embraced them,” Whittingham said. “The players have bought in.”
Whittingham was hired after spending more than three decades at Utah.
He said he remains grateful for his time with the Utes but is focused on building Michigan into a contender.
The Wolverines open the 2026 season against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, on NBC.