Michigan football was expected to surge in 2026 with Kyle Whittingham leading the charge, given that the Wolverines went 9-3 in 2025 with a coaching staff focused on -- er -- extracurricular activities. However, the maize and blue somehow took a step backward through the first five-and-a-half games of the season.
The second half of the Penn State game certainly gives Michigan some hope as Tommy Carr's insertion as the quarterback gave the offense life in a way it hadn't had through much of the season, but still, what's transpired over the course of the year has been less than inspiring.
Thus, when CBS Sports gave out season grades to all the Big Ten teams, the Wolverines got a failing grade.
Record: 4-2, 1-2 | Preseason AP ranking: 16
By just about every possible metric, Michigan's offense is meaningfully worse than it was last year. That's saying something because the Wolverines weren't exactly lighting it up last fall. Bryce Underwood has regressed, and Kyle Whittingham finally benched him in last week's win over Penn State. Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr gave the offense a spark it had been looking for, and hopefully that's a sign of things to come because the defense is too good to waste. If Whittingham can't get the offense fixed, Michigan will be scrapping to reach a bowl, and there's a possibility he could be one-and-done. Grade: D+
Though the description is relatively humdrum, given how much better the offense looked with Carr at the helm, there's reason for optimism in Ann Arbor. The defense is elite, leading the nation in allowing the fewest yards per play across the country. Given that the offense was able to move the ball on the ground for the first time last week, it feels like some of the problems have been fixed -- or at least it seems things are moving in the right direction.
We'll learn more on Saturday when Michigan football hosts Indiana at The Big House, with kickoff set for 12:10 p.m. EDT.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: CBS Sports gives Michigan football harsh midseason grade