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Michigan football announced its trio of players it will bring to Big Ten media days next month in Chicago and all of them are returning starters.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Jordan Marshall and defensive tackle Trey Pierce have been tabbed to represent the program at the unofficial kickoff of football season during the league's three-day media event at the Hilton Chicago from July 28-30. U-M is scheduled to appear on the last day, Thursday, July 30.
It's a notable change of pace from previous years where historically, seniors were the only players to represent the Wolverines. Pierce, a fourth-year player who has appeared in 39 games across his career for U-M, is the only senior and will be paired with Marshall (junior) and Underwood (sophomore).
This is in line with Whittingham's philosophy that age should not be a limiting factor on leadership.
"Completely open," Whittingham told the Free Press earlier this month of potential captains. "I believe if you're one of the best leaders, why should you be punished because you're not a senior? And so it's a team vote, not my vote. We let the team decide. We have two leadership factions, the captains and leadership council, and then their peers."
NEXT STEP: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood on Year 1's challenges and what's next
Underwood is the most intriguing name, given he's the highest profile player on the team and is analyzed closer than perhaps anybody else on the roster. Last year in the regular season, Underwood only met with media after nine games − each of U-M's wins − but never spoke at Schembechler Hall.
He did meet with media in Orlando ahead of the Citrus Bowl and was made available once this spring, which was already a change of pace. Now he'll be in a throng of league reporters for the first time in his career, heading into an important season for him and the program.
Earlier this offseason Whittingham told the Free Press Underwood was "one of our best leaders."
“It’s important we get him playing to his potential,” Whittingham said earlier this week when he appeared on the Detroit Tigers telecast against the New York Yankees. “He’s got a ton of it, I can tell you that right now. His toolbox is absolutely incredible with his size and strength and speed. We’ve got to make sure we get him dialed in.”
Marshall, meanwhile, comes as little surprise. The staff has raved about his leadership qualities all offseason, from his position coach Tony Alford to Whittingham.
The Cincinnati native returns after leading Michigan with 150 carries for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago and figures to be the lead back going into the season for the first time during his career in Ann Arbor.
Pierce is not as heralded as the others but has grown from reserve to trusted anchor in the middle of the defensive line. He made 30 tackles with one for loss in 2025 as he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention for the first time in his career.
Michigan opens its season against Western Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 5 (7:30 p.m., NBC) at Michigan Stadium.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football makes notable change to Big Ten media day tradition
Continue reading...
Quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Jordan Marshall and defensive tackle Trey Pierce have been tabbed to represent the program at the unofficial kickoff of football season during the league's three-day media event at the Hilton Chicago from July 28-30. U-M is scheduled to appear on the last day, Thursday, July 30.
It's a notable change of pace from previous years where historically, seniors were the only players to represent the Wolverines. Pierce, a fourth-year player who has appeared in 39 games across his career for U-M, is the only senior and will be paired with Marshall (junior) and Underwood (sophomore).
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This is in line with Whittingham's philosophy that age should not be a limiting factor on leadership.
"Completely open," Whittingham told the Free Press earlier this month of potential captains. "I believe if you're one of the best leaders, why should you be punished because you're not a senior? And so it's a team vote, not my vote. We let the team decide. We have two leadership factions, the captains and leadership council, and then their peers."
NEXT STEP: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood on Year 1's challenges and what's next
Underwood is the most intriguing name, given he's the highest profile player on the team and is analyzed closer than perhaps anybody else on the roster. Last year in the regular season, Underwood only met with media after nine games − each of U-M's wins − but never spoke at Schembechler Hall.
He did meet with media in Orlando ahead of the Citrus Bowl and was made available once this spring, which was already a change of pace. Now he'll be in a throng of league reporters for the first time in his career, heading into an important season for him and the program.
Earlier this offseason Whittingham told the Free Press Underwood was "one of our best leaders."
“It’s important we get him playing to his potential,” Whittingham said earlier this week when he appeared on the Detroit Tigers telecast against the New York Yankees. “He’s got a ton of it, I can tell you that right now. His toolbox is absolutely incredible with his size and strength and speed. We’ve got to make sure we get him dialed in.”
You must be registered for see images
Marshall, meanwhile, comes as little surprise. The staff has raved about his leadership qualities all offseason, from his position coach Tony Alford to Whittingham.
The Cincinnati native returns after leading Michigan with 150 carries for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago and figures to be the lead back going into the season for the first time during his career in Ann Arbor.
Pierce is not as heralded as the others but has grown from reserve to trusted anchor in the middle of the defensive line. He made 30 tackles with one for loss in 2025 as he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention for the first time in his career.
Michigan opens its season against Western Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 5 (7:30 p.m., NBC) at Michigan Stadium.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football makes notable change to Big Ten media day tradition
Continue reading...
