Why Kirk Herbstreit Is Weighing In On Michigan's QB Shift
College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has publicly weighed in on Michigan's expected quarterback transition from Bryce Underwood to Tommy Carr.
Quick facts
- Tommy Carr is expected to make his first career start for Michigan against No. 6 Indiana on Saturday.
- Carr replaced current starter Bryce Underwood in the second half of Michigan's 21-18 win over Penn State.
- Head coach Kyle Whittingham has stated he will not 'tip our hand' regarding the official starting quarterback decision.
Why it matters
The interest in Kirk Herbstreit's comments underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding struggling high-profile college programs. While the coaching staff has maintained secrecy regarding the starter, the public discourse reflects a broader frustration with Michigan's offensive output this season. Whether the change to Tommy Carr will yield immediate results remains to be seen on the field.
Why it is trending now
Kirk Herbstreit is at the center of college football discussions today, October 23, 2026, after weighing in on the Michigan Wolverines' anticipated quarterback change. The analyst has publicly supported the move to start freshman Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood, an adjustment that has sparked debate regarding head coach Kyle Whittingham's late-season strategy.
Key facts
- Tommy Carr is reportedly expected to take the first snap against No. 6 Indiana this Saturday, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and ClutchPoints.
- Carr previously entered the game during the second half of Michigan's 21-18 victory against Penn State, where he took over for Bryce Underwood.
- Head coach Kyle Whittingham has declined to confirm the starter, telling media outlets that he will not "tip our hand" before the Indiana matchup.
- Kirk Herbstreit has suggested that Michigan should proceed with the quarterback change despite the pressure it places on the coaching staff, as noted by USA Today Sports.
Why this is trending in United States
The situation is trending in the United States because it involves one of the most prominent college football programs and a high-profile analyst. Fans are closely monitoring the quarterback room as Michigan prepares for a significant conference game against a ranked Indiana team.
Background and context
Michigan's season has been marked by uncertainty at the quarterback position. Bryce Underwood has served as the starter for much of the current campaign, but offensive struggles led to his substitution during the win over Penn State. The potential shift to Tommy Carr represents a significant change in direction for the team as they look to improve their performance for the remainder of the season.
What happens next
The immediate focus remains on Saturday's game against Indiana. While coach Whittingham has not confirmed the starter, the expectation is that the program will announce its decision closer to kickoff. Analysts and fans will be watching to see if the change to Tommy Carr provides the offensive spark needed to compete against a high-ranked opponent.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new starting quarterback for Michigan?
Tommy Carr is expected to make his first career start against Indiana this Saturday. He replaced Bryce Underwood during the second half of the game against Penn State, leading to widespread reports that he will take over the starting role.
What did Kirk Herbstreit say about the Michigan QB change?
Kirk Herbstreit has publicly encouraged the move to start Tommy Carr. He suggested that the coaching staff should proceed with the change despite the potential risks to the job security of head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Has Kyle Whittingham confirmed the starting quarterback?
No, head coach Kyle Whittingham has not officially confirmed the starter. He stated to the media that he does not intend to 'tip our hand' by naming a starting quarterback before the upcoming game against Indiana.
Why is Bryce Underwood being benched?
While the team has not issued a formal explanation for the benching, the decision follows a period of underperformance by the quarterback. Carr took over for him during the win against Penn State, signaling a change in the team's offensive approach.
When does Michigan play Indiana?
Michigan is scheduled to play No. 6 Indiana this Saturday. The team is currently preparing for the matchup, and the official starting lineup is expected to be revealed at or before the game.
In this story
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Michigan set to start Tommy Carr vs. Indiana after he took over for Bryce Underwood in second half of win over Penn State
- USA Today: Michigan’s QB gamble could get Kyle Whittingham fired. Kirk Herbstreit says do it anyway
- ESPN: Michigan's Whittingham: Won't 'tip our hand' by naming starting QB vs. Indiana
Trend snapshot
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- Oct 23, 2026 at 6:17 AM
Last checked Oct 23, 2026 at 7:00 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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