ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It’s the respite from the offseason doldrums, culminating in a public display. After 14 spring ball practices, Michigan football is set to take the field in front of the fans, set for the spring game in The Big House.
There’s a lot to digest on Saturday, with the maize and blue teams set to face off against each other in split-squad action. It will be the first appearance in football capacity of new head coach Kyle Whittingham as well as his new staff, the first revelation of what the maize and blue might be in this new era.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood is expected to be the all-time quarterback for both teams in the first quarter, Tommy Carr the same in the second, and Carr will face Chase Herbstreit in the second half.
Though it’s expected to only see starting-caliber players in the first quarter, it will be a battle for depth. Here are the two teams:
WolverinesWire’s Isaiah Hole will be on the sideline, taking pictures and evaluating the action. With the game set to to start around 2:15 p.m. EDT, some evaluations will be below.
Fourth quarter
We’re just zipping by. Carr has continued to be impressive. I’d like to change my vote. Or just call it for Blue team defense.
Third quarter
A lot more passing this quarter. Still Tommy Carr on both sides. Jaime Ffrench had three catches, doing well with yards after, as he promised he would. Moa has also looked good for maize.
If I had to pick an MVP it would be Ffrench.
Halftime thoughts
Sorry, this is a lot more difficult to keep up with while taking photos than I anticipated.
I don’t really have any great epiphanies. Bryce Underwood looked meh, but again, it’s a split squad situation. Carr looked more comfortable, oddly enough, but both seemed to have to scramble a lot. However, it should be better when not in split squad and having starters across the board.
Marshall was excellent. If not in touch, he would have had three touchdowns. Saw some good plays from Hiter, Moa, and Ffrench on offense.
I’ve been focusing mostly on offense, but have noticed Deyvid Palepale, Lugard Edokpayi and some others up front. Secondary holding its own but linebacker continues to be a concern.
Second possessions
Maize team center Houston Ka’ahaina-Torres has had multiple low snaps. Interior protection has been abysmal for maize (Efobi, HKT, Gach).
Blue team back up and Jordan Marshall again would have had a TD if not thud rules.
Tommy Carr now in and his first pass to Jaime Ffrench is a rocket. Hiter hasn’t been as insane as Marshall just yet, but you can see the talent.
Tommy Carr has looked real good.
Underway
Definitely moving faster. It certainly doesn’t look crisp yet, especially on offense.
Salesi Moa could have caught the last throw if he hadn’t slowed up to grapple with Kainoa Winston.
Jordan Marshall would have had a TD on his first carry if it wasn’t thud. Liked seeing Jordan Marshall split wide.
With the blue team, you’re seeing more innovation on offense.
But the blue team stalls out. Hasn’t been pretty in the pass game. It is rather windy on the field however.
Warm ups
Right now warmups are happening, if you can call them that. Lots of people milling about.
Quick note
I’m not sure how well the field will receive cell service, but will try my best with updates. It won’t be live play-by-play as much as it will be commentary on what I like or what I don’t.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Live analysis: Michigan football 2026 spring game
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
