LSU transfer Colin Hurley departs Michigan. True freshman Tommy Carr shines, while summer arrival Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi solidifies the QB depth.
The Michigan football program saw its first major roster shakeup of the 2026 spring season this week. Colin Hurley, the highly touted LSU transfer who joined the Wolverines just this past January, has officially departed the program.
According to reports from On3 and The Michigan Insider, the move is being characterized as a "mutual parting of ways." While Hurley was present for the start of spring practices under head coach Kyle Whittingham, he was notably absent from the roster by late March. For a player who reclassified to enter college at just 16 years old and arrived in Ann Arbor with four years of eligibility, the sudden exit raises questions about the immediate depth behind Michigan’s budding superstar under center.
Why the Split?
Hurley’s arrival in January was seen as a move to bolster a room that needed both youth and high-end talent. However, the landscape shifted rapidly during the first few weeks of spring ball.
Insiders suggest two primary factors led to this decision:
1. The Rise of Tommy Carr: True freshman Tommy Carr—grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr—has been the talk of spring camp. Reports indicate Carr has exceeded expectations with his efficiency and grasp of offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s system. When Whittingham was asked about the backup battle recently, he specifically praised Carr’s skill set while omitting Hurley from the conversation.
2. The Summer Arrival of BFN: Michigan has already secured a commitment from Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (BFN). While he won't join the team until the summer, he is widely projected to slot in as the primary backup or high-level insurance. With Carr surging and Fowler-Nicolosi on the way, Hurley likely saw a dwindling path to meaningful playing time.
The 2026 Quarterback Hierarchy
Despite the loss of Hurley, the "Quarterback Room" in Ann Arbor remains one of the most talented in the Big Ten, headlined by a generational talent.
The Undisputed Starter: Bryce Underwood
There is no "battle" for the QB1 spot. Sophomore Bryce Underwood has been officially named the starter for the 2026 season. After a strong 2025 campaign, Underwood has emerged as the face of the program. Whittingham recently compared Underwood’s physical tools to former NFL MVPs, noting his "cannon" of an arm and improved decision-making. The offense is built entirely around his ability to stretch the field and create plays out of structure.
The Rising Backup: Tommy Carr
With Hurley gone, Tommy Carr has taken nearly all the meaningful second-team reps this spring. While he may lack Underwood's elite velocity, Carr is described as a "surgical" passer with surprising mobility. His early enrollment has allowed him to leapfrog the typical freshman learning curve, and he currently holds the inside track to be the "next man up" should Underwood go down.
The Veteran Insurance: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi
The "wildcard" of the room is the Colorado State transfer. Fowler-Nicolosi brings significant starting experience from the Mountain West. His arrival in June will provide the veteran presence that the room currently lacks. The coaching staff views him as a high-floor player who can win games in the Big Ten if called upon, allowing Carr more time to develop.
Depth and Development
Beyond the top three, the room includes:
• Chase Herbstreit: Providing additional depth and developmental reps.
• Brady Smigiel: A highly-regarded freshman prospect who remains "in the mix" for future developmental snaps.
While losing a former four-star talent like Colin Hurley is never ideal for roster optics, Michigan fans shouldn't panic. The "mutual parting" suggests the coaching staff is incredibly comfortable with the trajectory of Tommy Carr and the impending arrival of Fowler-Nicolosi.
As the Wolverines prepare for their September 5th opener against Miami, the focus remains squarely on Bryce Underwood. The Hurley departure is simply a byproduct of a room that is becoming increasingly crowded with elite talent—a "good problem" to have in the modern era of the transfer portal.