Kyle Whittingham’s first season with Michigan took a hit ahead of the annual Maize vs. Blue Spring Game on Saturday. The Wolverines lost a key player to an injury that would keep him sidelined for a long period.

At Thursday’s press conference, Whittingham announced that running back Michael Ka’apana is out for the 2026 season due to a season-ending injury. While the specific nature of the injury was not detailed in initial reports, the loss of the third-year RB is a significant blow to the Wolverines’ backfield depth for the upcoming season.

Whittingham called it “a real disappointment.” Last season, Ka’apana recorded 10 carries for 38 yards, appearing in three games. The injury robs him of a chance to show his full potential next season. For Michigan fans, it takes them to the struggles of the 2025 season, when both their primary RBs had to be sidelined.

Justice Haynes, who was leading the Power 4 with 122 rushing YPG, suffered a season-ending right foot injury against Michigan State in late October. Then Jordan Marshall took the lead role, but the freshman battled a persistent shoulder injury sustained during a victory over Northwestern. In “The Game” against OSU, he attempted to play but was forced out in the first quarter after re-aggravating the injury, finishing with only seven carries.

With these two RBs absent, Michigan was forced to rely on third- and fourth-string options. Former walk-on Bryson Kuzdzal and freshman Jasper Parker handled the majority of the backfield duties during the final stretch of the 2025 season.

This season, Michigan’s RB room is deep with returning veterans like Marshall and Kuzdzal, along with freshman talent Savion Hiter. Marshall recorded 932 rushing yards and 10 TDs despite missing the game against Maryland and the Citrus Bowl in 2025. Meanwhile, Kuzdzal racked up 326 rushing yards and 4 TDs.

Now, with Ka’apana’s season-ending injury, the No. 1-ranked 2026 5-star RB Hiter is expected to form a powerful “thunder and lightning” backfield duo alongside sophomore Marshall.

Kyle Whittingham is liking what he’s seeing in practice

This offseason, Kyle Whittingham expressed a huge concern regarding the clear “QB2” behind Bryce Underwood. But with QBs now showing their promising performances, the Michigan coach is not only impressed by a freshman quarterback but also believes he could earn the backup role.

“I would say Tommy Carr has been a pleasant surprise for us. He’s really progressed throughout spring. And emerged as, at least for right now, the No. 2 guy,” said Whittingham during his Thursday appearance. “Now there’ll be more competition going forward in fall camp. But if we had to play tomorrow, he’d be the No. 2 guy.”

The 3-star prospect from Saline High School flipped his commitment from Miami to Michigan, and he has deep ties to the Wolverines. Tommy is the grandson of legendary head coach Lloyd Carr and the son of former U-M QB Jason Carr. But the Michigan prospect’s connection with CFB doesn’t end there, as he is also the younger brother of ND QB C.J. Carr. With this kind of background, it is expected he will make an impact this season.

However, Michigan continues to see development across key positions. “Salesi Moa, our freshman wide receiver who just got here a few months ago, has done some really good things. I’m not saying that’s a surprise, but he’s really made strides,” said Whittingham. “Defensively, I think the young linebackers are really taking steps forward. We had very little experience returning at that spot. And a bunch of new guys, and those guys have really stepped up and are really progressing.”

With a solidified QB2 and emerging talent at linebacker, Whittingham will rely on that new depth to offset the early blow to his backfield.