Main Story: Michigan’s decision to start Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood marks a setback for the highly touted quarterback, whose eight-figure NIL deal helped bring him to Ann Arbor. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who helped fund the deal, said Underwood wasn’t his worst investment—and praised the quarterback for supporting his teammates after being benched.

By the Numbers
  • Underwood received an eight-figure NIL deal.
  • Michigan is expected to start Carr against Indiana on Saturday.
Yes, But

Underwood has fallen short of expectations so far, but his response to losing the starting job has earned respect from Portnoy and teammates, who praised his support for Carr.

State of Play
  • Carr took over for Underwood in the second half of Michigan’s win over Penn State.
  • Portnoy named several investments he considers worse, including Brick watches, Michael Rapaport, “Back to School,” the Mold house and his racehorses.
Bottom Line

Underwood’s performance hasn’t matched the size of the investment, but his leadership through the benching has helped preserve goodwill in Ann Arbor.