Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr will take the field as Michigan’s starter for the foreseeable future, head coach Kyle Whittingham announced Monday, locking in a major offensive shift ahead of this week’s rivalry matchup. The decision arrives following a strong performance in Saturday’s 28-21 victory at Rutgers, where Carr tallied 266 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and added 54 rushing yards alongside two scores on the ground, ESPN reported.
The appointment resolves weeks of uncertainty under center for the Wolverines. Whittingham had remained noncommittal about his starting quarterback ever since Carr stepped in for Bryce Underwood during an Oct. 17 win against Penn State. According to ESPN, the coach specifically praised Carr’s mobility as a key factor that rounded out a complete offensive performance against the Scarlet Knights.
Football runs deep in the Carr family. Tommy Carr is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and the younger brother of Notre Dame starting quarterback CJ Carr. Through four games this season, the freshman has completed 72.1% of his passes for 503 yards. Recruiting services evaluated him as a three-star prospect and the No. 24 pocket passer in the 2026 class.
The transition marks a distinct turning point for Michigan’s offense. Underwood entered last season as the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and started throughout the year, but struggled to find consistency before ultimately being benched.
Upcoming Rivalry Test Against Michigan State
With the starting role now cemented, Carr and the Wolverines turn their preparation toward an upcoming home game against in-state rival Michigan State on Saturday.
