Whittingham Opens Michigan’s Kicking Competition Before Michigan State Showdown

Michigan’s kicking job is open heading into rivalry week.

Kyle Whittingham announced Monday morning that the Wolverines will hold a competition in practice, with the best performer earning the opportunity to kick Saturday against Michigan State.

“Whoever is the better kicker in practice will kick in the game on Saturday,” Whittingham said.

The decision follows missed kicks in Michigan’s previous game and comes as the Wolverines prepare for another matchup in which finishing possessions could prove critical. Rather than immediately announce a replacement, Whittingham outlined a process that will give the available kickers an opportunity to win the assignment.

He said all three kickers would be involved, although he identified two as the primary competitors.

The evaluation will also include a change to Michigan’s practice structure.

Along with the dedicated field-goal and extra-point periods already built into special teams work, the Wolverines will insert kicking opportunities into broader team drills. Coaches will interrupt offensive and defensive work, call for a field goal and bring the kicking unit onto the field.

Whittingham said Michigan used that approach during fall camp and spring practices but has not continued it during the regular season.

“We’re going to expand that this week and give them a chance to kick in front of the whole team,” he said.

That setting introduces a different kind of scrutiny. A kicker must respond to an immediate call, join the operation and execute while teammates watch. It also gives coaches another opportunity to evaluate the entire unit together.

Whittingham made clear that Michigan had already examined whether the previous misses resulted from problems elsewhere in the operation.

According to his review, the holds and laces were fine. He acknowledged that the snap on the first attempt was slightly off, but said there was nothing egregious about the operation and that the timing was generally consistent with how the unit is coached.

The conclusion was direct: the kicks were missed.

That assessment helps explain why the response centers on competition. Michigan is asking its kickers to demonstrate which player can provide the most dependable execution in the opportunities available this week.

The broader stakes are clear. Whittingham said Michigan is still pursuing bowl eligibility, and the Wolverines have four regular-season games remaining. With those opportunities limited, converting scoring chances becomes increasingly valuable.

Saturday’s rivalry adds urgency, but the issue extends beyond one opponent. Michigan needs confidence that a drive reaching field-goal range can produce points.

This week’s practice competition will determine who receives the next opportunity. The lasting answer will depend on whether that practice performance carries into the game.