Michigan Lands Tommy Carr, Adding Legendary Lineage to Quarterback Room

Michigan football secured a dramatic comeback win over Northwestern, improving its record to 8-2 on the season. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has been a key leader for the Wolverines, guiding them through a competitive Big Ten schedule. Now, the program will add another promising quarterback to the mix—Tommy Carr, a player with deep family ties to Michigan football.

Carr’s commitment brings added attention not only because of his talent but also due to his connection to the legendary former head coach Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines hope that Tommy Carr can contribute to their quarterback depth and eventually carve out playing time alongside Underwood.

Originally committed to Miami (OH), Carr flipped his pledge to Michigan following an offer from the Wolverines. A standout at Saline High School, Carr has been recognized as a Mr. Football candidate and helped lead his team to the Division 1 regional final. Despite a narrow loss to Detroit Cass Tech, Carr’s performance has drawn national attention.

Ranked as the 29th-best quarterback nationally and the seventh-best player in Michigan by 247Sports, Carr brings both pedigree and proven skill to Ann Arbor. Michigan fans will be eager to see how he develops in a program steeped in family tradition and championship history.

1. Carr Family Legacy at Michigan

The Carr name is synonymous with Michigan football. Lloyd Carr began his career with the Wolverines as a defensive backs coach in 1980 under Bo Schembechler, eventually moving into the defensive coordinator role. When Gary Moeller resigned in 1995, Lloyd Carr became head coach, compiling a 122-40 record, winning five Big Ten titles, and leading Michigan to the 1997 National Championship. Tommy Carr’s father, Jason Carr, played quarterback for Michigan from 1992 through 1995, overlapping with his father’s tenure as head coach. Though Jason appeared in only 20 games and threw 23 passes, he contributed to the family’s long-standing Michigan legacy. The family’s football tradition extends to Tommy’s older brother, CJ Carr, who currently starts at quarterback for Notre Dame. CJ chose to attend the Fighting Irish, citing a desire to forge his own path while still embracing the family’s football heritage. For Michigan, adding Tommy Carr continues the Carr family’s storied connection to the program, linking past success with present ambitions. The combination of family history and current talent creates a compelling narrative for Wolverines fans.

2. High School Success and Recruitment

Carr’s high school career at Saline has been notable. A two-year starter, he led the team to the Division 1 regional final, narrowly losing to Detroit Cass Tech. His performance drew attention from multiple programs, culminating in a Michigan offer that ultimately convinced him to switch commitments from Miami (OH). Ranked 29th nationally among quarterbacks, Carr also earned recognition as a Mr. Football candidate in Michigan. His ability to lead a high-powered offense and make plays under pressure has made him one of the top prospects in the state. The Wolverines’ coaching staff praised Carr’s athleticism, football IQ, and competitive drive. With a mix of talent and lineage, Michigan expects Carr to grow into a key contributor in the coming seasons. Carr’s arrival also introduces competition within Michigan’s quarterback room. He will need to compete with four-star recruit Brad Smigiel for snaps, ensuring that Michigan’s quarterback position remains one of the most dynamic in the Big Ten.

3. Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Season and Quarterback Room

Carr is expected to begin his career behind Bryce Underwood, the freshman quarterback who has guided Michigan to an 8-2 record. Underwood’s poise and playmaking have provided the Wolverines stability, but the addition of Carr adds depth and future potential. Michigan will face Maryland on the road this week, before concluding the regular season at home against rival Ohio State. Carr will have opportunities to learn under Underwood’s guidance while preparing for future seasons. The competition within the quarterback room is poised to intensify, with Carr and Smigiel both vying for playing time. Michigan coaches hope this rivalry fosters growth and readiness as the team pursues a strong finish in the Big Ten. As the season progresses, fans will be watching to see how Carr’s talent and legacy translate to the field. His development could play a crucial role in Michigan’s postseason aspirations.