Kyle Whittingham is standing pat. Despite two straight Big Ten losses and one of the worst offenses in the conference, the first-year Michigan coach announced Monday that sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood will start Week 7 against Penn State and that offensive coordinator Jason Beck will keep calling plays. The announcement, made at Whittingham's press conference after the bye week, landed like a thud with a fan base that expected changes.
Michigan insider Brice Marich reported the news, and the reaction was immediate and harsh.
Why Michigan fans wanted a change during the bye week
The bye week gave Whittingham the one window all season where a quarterback change or a new play-caller was realistic. Instead, the status quo holds for a team averaging just 315.8 total yards and 23 points per game, the second-lowest scoring offense in the Big Ten at 5.2 yards per play.
Whittingham himself sounded like a coach ready to shake things up after the Minnesota loss.
“We might have to make some tough decisions here. We'll see. But, you know, right now to this point through this portion of the season, it's unacceptable. The results are unacceptable right now.”
Those tough decisions, it turns out, did not include the quarterback or the play-caller.
How the offense got here
The problems started in Week 1 against Western Michigan, a game Michigan won only on a controversial Hail Mary from Underwood. The struggles continued against Oklahoma but were papered over by a win over a ranked opponent. Then came the losses.
Against Iowa, Underwood threw the ball better, but sloppy fourth-quarter defensive mistakes cost Michigan the game. Against Minnesota, the offense collapsed entirely: the Wolverines crossed the 50-yard line just twice all afternoon, managed 11 first downs, and watched Underwood take three sacks and throw back-to-back interceptions.
Fans vented under Marich's report. “That is terrible news for Michigan fans,” one wrote. Another went further: “They have to fire him now.”
Is Bryce Underwood a fit for Jason Beck's offense?
That question is at the heart of the frustration. Underwood's 2025 season came without a dedicated quarterback coach, and improvements were expected under Whittingham and Beck. Eighteen starts into his Michigan career, the fit with Beck's system still looks awkward, and the play-calling has drawn its own criticism for being predictable and for failing to establish a run game against Minnesota.
“Not good news. If Bryce hasn't figured it out in 18 starts at Michigan, it's unlikely he will,” one fan commented. Another speculated that contract language might explain the decision, though no such clause has been confirmed.
The harshest take directed at the head coach himself: “Makes no sense; Whitt is trying to lose his job.”
What's next for Michigan against Penn State
Whittingham's first year in Ann Arbor now hinges on whether continuity pays off. Penn State visits for Week 7, and another listless offensive performance could turn fan frustration into a full-blown crisis. For now, Underwood and Beck get the chance to prove the coach right.
FAQ
Who is starting at quarterback for Michigan against Penn State?
Bryce Underwood. Kyle Whittingham confirmed at his Monday press conference that Underwood will start the Week 7 matchup.
Is Jason Beck still calling plays for Michigan?
Yes. Whittingham announced Beck will continue as offensive coordinator and play-caller despite the offense ranking second-lowest in the Big Ten in scoring.
Why are Michigan fans upset with Kyle Whittingham?
Fans expected the bye week to bring changes at quarterback or play-caller after back-to-back Big Ten losses to Iowa and Minnesota. Instead, Whittingham kept both in place.