Deep into the offseason, you'll see some of college football's finest conspiracies. One that's sure to bring Ohio State Buckeyes fans joy is the perceived dysfunction in TTUN's locker room during Kyle Whittingham's first offseason at the helm.
As the theory goes, the Wolverines are already looking to replace Bryce Underwood under center in 2027 with Utah Utes senior Devon Dampier, a member of the 2023 high school class who could have a fifth year of eligibility due to a proposed five-in-five rule change from the Division I Cabinet.
Apparently, former Utah and current TTUN play-caller Jason Beck told Dampier's father to have his son apply for a fifth year and transfer to Ann Arbor. Quite the rumor, which was posted by Message Board Geniuses and may not have a shred of truth to it.
Still, could we really say it's the craziest conspiracy ever conceived? In a relationship-driven sport, Beck and Whittingham have a rapport with Dampier, having won 11 games together during the 2025 season in Salt Lake City. They don't have one with Underwood, who was brought on before even the last Wolverines offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, was hired.
Is it really difficult to project things going south this coming season for the Maize and Blue? Absolutely not. Sometimes, a conspiracy just needs six months to turn into truth. Underwood finished his team's spring game just 8/18 for 63 yards and an interception in a worrying effort, for that side, at least.
The groundwork has been laid for a dud of a campaign outside the Motor City this fall. That doesn't mean it will happen. But there aren't as many signs that things will work out, and it's all too common for a QB not to mesh with the coaching staff that brought him in.
Ohio State could be the death knell to Michigan's Bryce Underwood era
This fall, at the "Shoe," OSU has the chance to end Underwood's tenure with TTUN. By the time Week 13 rolls around, the Wolverines could fall one win short of the CFP with a loss to the Buckeyes. Or, it could be far worse.
If Underwood hasn't been yanked by the time "The Game" takes place, Ohio State could force him to look elsewhere with a second straight pulverization. The LSU Tigers are a lot more attractive a destination under Lane Kiffin. Perhaps battling a fellow 2025 recruit in Husan Longstreet for the starting job could galvanize Underwood and have the Belleville native reneging on his decision to stay home.
Regardless of where his career heads afterwards, Underwood could see his Wolverines era end on a whimper in November, though it'd be a bang for the Buckeyes. There's little fanfare surrounding Underwood's potential Heisman push during his sophomore year; instead, rumors and news that things aren't working out.
Besides worries about the offensive line and the depth of the receiving corps, there's nothing but faith on the Scarlet and Gray side. Especially as it pertains to a blood rivalry with OSU's greatest adversary that doesn't appear to be all too threatening in 2026.
The dog days of "The Game" are over for Ohioans. They may be just getting started on the other side.
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