It hasn’t been a good season for the Michigan Wolverines in Kyle Whittingham’s first year as head coach after he arrived from Utah, where he was an icon.
Much of Michigan’s lack of success comes down to its unproductive offense, particularly at quarterback. Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr have both started games this season, but neither has provided much consistency at the position.
Yet, ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Oregon, Whittingham and the Wolverines got some unexpected news about one of their former quarterbacks. Colin Hurley, who medically retired before the 2026 season, has officially returned to college football and will enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Hurley Returning to College Football
Hurley was once a four-star prospect who committed to play football at LSU in 2024.
However, after he never saw the field and Brian Kelly lost his job as head coach, Hurley entered the transfer portal and committed to Michigan.
He wasn’t going to enter this season as the starter, but given how Michigan’s quarterbacks have performed, he could have found himself in the conversation for the starting job at this point in the year.
Hurley, though, sustained a serious concussion and stepped away from football in the spring, medically retiring from the sport.
Now, he’ll attempt to prepare for the 2027 season, when he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
NEW: Former Michigan QB Colin Hurley plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, his agent Brian Davis tells @PeteNakos.
The former LSU transfer previously medically retired due to a concussion but is ready to make his return to football.
https://t.co/NbV8znRxIR
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) November 13, 2026
Hurley’s Agent Releases Message on QB’s Health
In the wake of the news, Hurley’s agent, Brian Davis, told On3 that the quarterback has prioritized his health and looks forward to returning to football.
“Colin has worked hard on his health and is excited to come back to the sport he loves,” Davis said. “Colin has two years of eligibility left and can’t wait to play again.”
Ex-Michigan QB Suddenly Enters Transfer Portal After Medically Retiring