Michigan tabs Carr, ex-coach's grandson, as QB2

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  Adam RittenbergAug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM ET

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  College football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.

Michigan has named freshman Tommy Carr, the grandson of former Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr, as its backup quarterback entering the season under first-year coach Kyle Whittingham.

Tommy Carr had been competing with Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi for the chance to back up Bryce Underwood, the former No. 1 national recruit who will enter his second season as Michigan's starter.

Carr had shined during spring practice, but the backup race was "neck-and-neck," quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. said last week. Whittingham said Monday that Carr will get the first chance after Underwood when Michigan begins the season Saturday against Western Michigan.

A three-star recruit from nearby Saline, Michigan, Carr is the son of former Michigan quarterback Jason Carr and the younger brother of Notre Dame starting quarterback CJ Carr. Tommy Carr had 5,247 passing yards and 64 touchdowns in two years as a starter in high school, in games where the team went 18-5.

Underwood will make his debut under the new staff after mixed results in 2025, when he had 2,428 passing yards but only 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Whittingham said Monday that Underwood is "way further ahead" in preseason camp than he was during the spring practice session.