Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham is using the Wolverines’ bye week to address major concerns on offense after the team dropped consecutive games and fell to 3-2 on the 2026 season.
While Michigan’s defense has been one of the strongest units in the country, ranking No. 6 nationally, the offense has struggled badly. The Wolverines currently rank No. 122 in total offense, leaving Whittingham and his staff with plenty to fix before the team returns to action.
Speaking on Inside Michigan Football with Jon Jansen, Whittingham acknowledged that Michigan’s offense has significant problems and needs to make adjustments rather than continuing to force an approach that does not fit its personnel.
Kyle Whittingham Wants Michigan to Find Its Identity
Whittingham was blunt when discussing Michigan’s offensive struggles. His message was centered on identifying what has worked, eliminating what has not and putting the players in positions where they can succeed.
The Wolverines have struggled to establish consistent offensive rhythm, particularly in the running game. According to Whittingham, Michigan needs to stop trying to make its current personnel fit an offensive system that may not match its strengths.
The coach believes the solution is relatively straightforward in principle: Michigan needs to return to the physical, downhill football that has traditionally been associated with the program.
Michigan’s Running Game Has Become a Major Concern
One of the biggest disappointments has been Michigan’s rushing attack.
The Wolverines are averaging about 135 rushing yards per game, ranking No. 100 nationally. That represents a significant decline from the dominant rushing production associated with Jason Beck’s previous offenses.
Whittingham pointed out that Michigan had success when it attacked downhill, particularly during stretches against Minnesota. The problem, he said, was maintaining that execution throughout the game.
Michigan’s offensive personnel was largely built around the downhill style associated with previous coaches Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore. Beck’s previous systems at New Mexico and Utah featured more horizontal movement and athletic offensive linemen.
That difference has created questions about whether Michigan is maximizing the abilities of its current players.
Whittingham now appears determined to make the offense more physical and allow the offensive line to attack vertically.
Bryce Underwood Remains a Major Part of the Equation
Quarterback Bryce Underwood has also become part of the conversation surrounding Michigan’s offensive problems.
Underwood struggled significantly in the season opener against Western Michigan but appeared to make progress over the following weeks. His performance against Iowa was particularly encouraging, as he threw for 276 yards and helped Michigan remain competitive.
However, his performance against Minnesota was less consistent.
Whittingham noted that Underwood’s throws became less accurate as the game progressed. One particularly costly moment came when Underwood failed to spot Andrew Marsh open deep for what could have been a touchdown.
Still, Whittingham emphasized that Michigan’s offensive struggles cannot simply be placed on the quarterback.
The comments suggest that the coaching staff is more interested in improving the overall offensive structure than making a dramatic change at quarterback.
Will Michigan Bench Bryce Underwood?
Some Michigan fans have called for Tommy Carr to receive an opportunity at quarterback following Underwood’s struggles.
However, Whittingham’s comments did not indicate that a quarterback change is imminent. Instead, the focus appears to be on adjusting the offensive scheme and giving Underwood a better environment in which to succeed.
That could mean emphasizing the running game, simplifying certain concepts and creating opportunities for Underwood to use his athleticism while reducing the pressure on him to make difficult throws.
For Michigan, fixing the offense may require changes beyond the quarterback position.
Michigan’s Defense Gives Whittingham a Foundation
Despite the offensive problems, Michigan has an important advantage: its defense has been excellent.
The Wolverines rank No. 6 nationally in total defense, giving Whittingham a strong foundation to build around during the bye week.
That defensive performance makes the offensive struggles even more frustrating. Michigan does not necessarily need an explosive offense to compete if the defense continues playing at an elite level.
Instead, the offense needs to become reliable enough to sustain drives, protect the football and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
What Comes Next for Kyle Whittingham and Michigan?
The bye week provides Michigan with valuable time to reassess its offensive identity.
Whittingham has acknowledged that the Wolverines have a long way to go, but his comments also provide clues about the direction the team could take.
A return to downhill rushing, improved offensive-line execution and a scheme designed around the strengths of the roster could be central to Michigan’s turnaround.
The biggest question is whether those adjustments can happen quickly enough.
At 3-2, Michigan still has plenty of football remaining. But with the offense ranking near the bottom nationally while the defense sits among the country’s best, Whittingham knows the formula for improvement is clear.
Michigan does not need to reinvent everything. It needs to identify what works, abandon what does not and get back to playing the physical brand of football that best suits its personnel.
The bye week could therefore become a crucial turning point for Kyle Whittingham and the Wolverines.
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