Tommy Carr’s path to Michigan Football, outlook for 2026

TL;DR

Tommy Carr, a four-star recruit and grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, is making waves as a true freshman quarterback at Michigan. He aims to secure backup duties behind starter Bryce Underwood after an impressive spring performance.

Key points

Tommy Carr is a true freshman quarterback at Michigan.
He was ranked as a four-star recruit in the 2026 class.
Carr had an impressive spring game performance.
He is the grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
Carr aims to secure backup duties behind Bryce Underwood.

Mentioned in this story

Lloyd Carr

Tommy CarrBryce UnderwoodBrayden Fowler-NicolosiMichigan Wolverines

Apr 18, 2026; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) looks on during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images | Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr is a true freshman that is already making a name for himself. The grandson of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and the brother of standout Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, Tommy is determined to make his family proud while wearing Michigan’s winged helmet.

The story so far

Carr, who’s 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, was ranked as a four-star recruit in the 2026 class, the No. 316 overall player and No. 22 quarterback. Carr played for Saline High School, which isn’t far away from Michigan Stadium. Carr’s senior season was excellent, throwing for 2,737 yards, 37 touchdowns with six interceptions and a 69.3% completion rate. Carr also rushed for 276 yards with eight touchdowns. Carr was initially commited to Miami (Oh.) but flipped to Michigan in November of 2025. Carr is an early enrollee at Michigan and participated in spring practices. Michigan fans had their first look at Carr during an impressive spring game performance. Carr was 21-for-30 for 143 passing yards with 59 rushing yards.

Outlook moving forward

While Bryce Underwood is entrenched as Michigan’s starting quarterback, there’s a strong chance that Carr will earn backup duties. Carr’s main competiti0n at backup will be transfer (Colorado State), who has 28 career starts. “He’s got that it factor for a quarterback,” Michigan head coach in April. “That confidence, that field general mentality. The way he carries himself. He’s a football junkie. I’m in the facility at 10 at night and I walk by the quarterback room and there’s Tommy Carr watching film all by himself in the film room. He is completely just immersed in his development as far as trying to get better and doing everything he can to perfect his craft. And that’s really what you want to see in a quarterback. And he’s a leader by nature and by virtue of the position.” Carr’s dual-threat abilities, mechanics and footwork all seemed sound during the spring game, but that was just a small glimpse as to where he’s at right now in his development. It will take Carr some time to grow into his frame and add some needed muscle, and it will also take time getting acclimated to the speed of the college game. However, Carr could have the skills to start some games at Michigan during his career and push Bryce Underwood in practice.

Q&A

What are Tommy Carr's stats from high school?

In his senior season, Tommy Carr threw for 2,737 yards, 37 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a completion rate of 69.3%.

Who is Tommy Carr competing with for the backup quarterback position at Michigan?

Tommy Carr is competing for the backup quarterback position with transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who has 28 career starts.

What did Michigan's head coach say about Tommy Carr's abilities?

Head coach Kyle Whittingham praised Carr for his confidence, leadership, and dedication to improving, noting he often studies film late at night.