2025 Season Countdown: #27 Mikey Keene

 

Mikey Keene (image via On3)

Name: Mikey Keene
Height: 5'11”
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Chandler (AZ) Chandler
Position: Quarterback
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #7
Last year: Keene was the starting quarterback at Fresno State. He completed 277/393 passes (70.5%) for 2,892 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
TTB Rating: N/A

Sherrone Moore is like Galactus, and floating through space and time, he decided to send out the Silver Surfer - in this case, Chip Lindsey - to scout resources to consume to make himself better. The Silver Surfer zeroed in on Mikey Keene from Fresno State, and here we are:

With one of the most highly touted recruits in history, Galactus - I mean, Sherrone Moore - was never going to be able to bring in a high-profile player who wanted to play right now because Bryce Underwood is waiting in the wings to play, probably sooner rather than later. So Moore and Lindsey had to look a rung down for a guy who might want a step up in competition but had already sort of maxed himself out in a lower conference.

Keene has been a starter at two different schools, UCF and Fresno State. Overall, he has amassed 8245 passing yards, 65 passing touchdowns, and 28 interceptions, while completing 67.8% of his passes. He's an accurate thrower who's obviously limited when it comes to size, strength, and athleticism. But he's a veteran who has played 39 games and could be a perfect mentor for Underwood, pushing him and offering advice while also understanding he stepped into a situation where he's not going to be expected to be the savior of a program.

I expect Underwood to be the starting quarterback by the end of the season, if not the beginning. However, backup quarterbacks play an important role. It's rare to see a quarterback go through a season completely unscathed, if only for a half of a game or a game here or there. Keene transferred to Michigan over the winter but was unable to participate in spring practices because of an injury. However, he was available for meetings and re-learning some of the things that Lindsey taught him back when they were together at UCF. As long as Keene stays healthy for the year, he should provide a nice safety net for the team.

Prediction: Backup quarterback

2025 Season Countdown: #28 Semaj Morgan

 

Semaj Morgan (image via USA Today)

Name: Semaj Morgan
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 174 lbs.
High school: West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #0
Last year: I ranked Morgan #16 and said he would be a starting wide receiver (LINK). He started four games and made 27 catches for 139 yards and 1 touchdown, ran 6 times for 32 yards, and returned 9 punts for 100 yards.
TTB Rating: 76

After a breakout freshman season in 2023, I thought Semaj Morgan would have a fun 2024. He was a bit of a jack-of-all trades who could catch, run, and return punts.

And then he did absolutely nothing in 2024.

You want a fun statistic? Out of 177 players in Michigan history with 19 catches or more in a season, Semaj Morgan's 5.1 yards per catch is tied for the lowest . . . and the person tied with him was running back Anthony Thomas (33 catches, 168 yards in 1999).

Want to know what's arguably worse? The only player with 17 catches or more in a season who had a lower yards per catch than Morgan and Thomas's 5.1 was the 2024 version of Donovan Edwards (18 catches, 83 yards).

In other words, the passing game in 2024 was historically bad. Not that you didn't already know that.

On the plus side, I think Morgan is better than that. He was better in high school and he was better as a freshman. I'm going to chalk up the pitiful 2024 campaign to poor quarterbacking and poor offensive coordinator-ing, and both of those positions have been upgraded going into 2025. I think offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey will have a better idea of how to use Morgan, and I think Bryce Underwood/Mikey Keene will be able to get him the ball in more advantageous ways.

Prediction: Part-time starting wide receiver; 30 catches for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns

2025 Season Countdown: #29 Cameron Brandt

 

Cameron Brandt (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Cameron Brandt
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270 lbs.
High school: Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon
Position: Defensive end
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #91
Last year: I ranked Brandt #40 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). He made 13 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 82

Brandt had a bit of a coming out party in 2024, especially during the second half of the season. After a pretty boring freshman season (aside from, you know, winning a national championship), he ascended into the two-deep during his sophomore year and turned it on as the year went along, making his first career sack against Michigan State, snagging another one against Indiana, and finishing up with 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama.

The only edge Michigan lost ahead of Brandt was Josaiah Stewart, so Brandt remains firmly entrenched on the second unit behind Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy. Despite the loss of Stewart, I expect Michigan's edge rushers as a whole to be better in 2025. Michigan has three upperclassmen in Brandt, Guy, and Moore, and there are several talented young players, along with inside linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who will reportedly come off the edge a little bit more this season. Brandt is a good-sized body at 265 lbs. who's not the biggest or the quickest, but his combination of athleticism and agility should make him tough to handle on a consistent basis. I think he'll basically look like a third starter when he comes into the game.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

2025 Season Countdown: #30 Lawrence Hattar

 

Lawrence Hattar (image via MGoBlog)

NOTE: Transfer punter Luke Bauer was ranked #31 but is not on the fall roster, so I skipped that spot. It looks like Hudson Hollenbeck will be the most likely answer at punter.

Name: Lawrence Hattar
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 335 lbs.
High school: Livonia (MI) Churchill
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #78
Last year: Hattar played at Ferris State. He started eleven games and was a Division II All-American.
TTB Rating: N/A

Hattar came out of an in-state high school in 2021 and has spent the past four seasons playing at Ferris State. He started twenty games in that time and was part of a national championship team . . . three times. In fact, the only year he didn't win one was when Michigan won theirs in 2023, so technically Hattar will have played for a program that has won a national title the past four years. Is that a modern-day football record?

Michigan recruited Hattar to potentially step in at offensive guard and help solidify an offensive line that wasn't very good last year. Hattar was a Division II All-American, but playing at the FBS level is two steps up from there. Will he be able to immediately upgrade the offensive line? Will he be able to start in year one at a place like Michigan? The size is a good thing (6'5", 335 lbs.), but the game in the Big Ten moves much faster and the defensive tackles are stronger and more athletic. Even Myles Hinton struggled some when he first came from Stanford and he was a 5-star recruit with excellent size, so there are bound to be some growing pains. I think Hattar will be a backup guard to start the season but could potentially challenge to start halfway through the year.

Prediction: Backup offensive guard

2025 Season Countdown: #32 Dominic Nichols

 

Dominic Nichols (image via MLive)

Name: Dominic Nichols
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 255 lbs.
High school: Frederick (MD) Oakdale
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #33
Last year: I ranked Nichols #71 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). He played in five games and made 3 tackles with 1 forced fumble.
TTB Rating: 79

Nichols fell in the middle range of the countdown last season, lodged between "solid contributor" and "redshirt" status. He played in four regular season games, including a couple competitive ones, and the bowl game against Alabama; because bowl games don't count against the redshirt limit, he was able to preserve an extra year of eligibility. He looked like he belonged on the field, and the coaching staff is very high on him going into the 2025 season.

I expected Nichols to be in the 260-270 range by the time fall rolled around, so I'm a little surprised he's only up to 255 pounds this season after being 251 last year. But it appears he will be in the second group of edges, along with Cam Brandt. It should be a bit of a breakout year for Nichols, and I expect him to play well. Starters T.J. Guy and Derrick Moore will be gone in 2026, and Nichols has a chance to stake his claim for the mantle of pass rush extraordinaire going into his third season.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

2025 Season Countdown: #33 Jaden Mangham

 

Jaden Mangham

Name: Jaden Mangham
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 195 lbs.
High school: Birmingham (MI) Groves
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #3
Last year: I ranked Mangham #42 and said he would be a backup safety (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: N/A

Mangham was a starter at Michigan State, and I expected him to play a key backup role in 2024. Instead, he played in one game on special teams and then disappeared for the rest of the year. Michigan did have good options at safety and Mangham was able to preserve a redshirt, giving him two remaining years. He was reportedly injured, which explains his disappearance.

Now Mangham should be a key backup for real. Both Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson departed after last season, and while the coaching staff brought in defensive back transfers, they look more likely to contribute at nickel and corner. Mangham could even be a starter, depending on the uncertain health of Rod Moore. I have Moore and Brandyn Hillman penciled in as starters at safety, but if Moore does start, I think the coaches will limit the number of snaps he gets.

Prediction: Part-time starting safety

2025 Season Countdown: #34 Cole Sullivan

 

Cole Sullivan (image via X)

Name: Cole Sullivan
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 225 lbs.
High school: Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic
Position: Linebacker
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #23
Last year: I ranked Sullivan #85 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in twelve games on special teams and one on defense, making 4 tackles.
TTB Rating: 87

I thought the 6'3", 215 lb. freshman linebacker would redshirt in 2024, but I was mistaken. He was named Special Teams Rookie of the Year at the end-of-year awards banquet and played in every game but one. That's a good way to get one's feet wet, but it also burned a potential extra year of eligibility for special teams use. Anyway, Sullivan performed his duties well while most freshman linebackers redshirt.

This season Sullivan is a bit of a wild card. While he's unlikely to break into the starting lineup (barring injury to one of the starters), he's probably in the second group and pushing Jimmy Rolder to be the next inside linebacker into the game. Sam Webb recently said Sullivan is pushing 240 lbs. (as opposed to his listed 225 on the spring roster) and he has the frame to carry it well. With the coaches talking about using Jaishawn Barham off the edge at times, could Sullivan potentially slide into Barham's spot in those packages? He could be the third linebacker or he could be behind Rolder and Georgia transfer Troy Bowles.

Another option is for him to follow in Rolder's path. Rolder took a redshirt in his second year to give him some more separation from the guys ahead of him. Sullivan could redshirt in 2025 and then have an open path to playing time in 2026 without Barham and Ernest Hausmann blocking the way.

Either way, Sullivan should be a key special teams player in 2025 and start to see more time on defense.

Prediction: Backup inside linebacker, special teamer

2025 Season Countdown: #35 Trey Pierce

 

Trey Pierce (image via Brother Rice)

Name: Trey Pierce
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 315 lbs.
High school: Oak Lawn (IL) Brother Rice
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #95
Last year: I ranked Pierce #39 and said he would be a backup nose tackle (LINK). He started one game and made 7 tackles.
TTB Rating: 79

Pierce once again spent a season mired in the shadow of Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. He started one game, but for the most part, he was in a backup role. He played in all thirteen games and made 7 total tackles. Nothing really stood out about his play, but he wasn't getting steamrolled, either.

This year with Grant and Graham gone, there's more of an opportunity for Pierce. Michigan did bring in Damon Payne from Alabama and Tre Williams from Clemson, but they're not on the same level as the departed players. Along with Rayshaun Benny, Enow Etta, and Ike Iwunnah, Michigan goes at least six-deep with playable tackles on the interior.

Prediction: Backup nose tackle

2025 Season Countdown: #36-40

 

Blake Frazier (image via Wolverines Wire)

40. TE Hogan Hansen (So.): Hansen certainly outplayed his countdown ranking last season, playing in ten games and making 7 catches for 78 yards and 1 touchdown. Assuming the pecking order remains the same, that should move Hansen up one spot since Colston Loveland went to the Bears in the 1st round of the NFL draft. With Marlin Klein as the starter, Hansen should be in the mix pretty regularly, along with H-backs Max Bredeson and Jalen Hoffman. Last year's rank: #110.

39. LB Jimmy Rolder (RS Jr.): Rolder is one of those guys whose career has kind of slipped past. Now he's in his fourth year, and though he has played quite a bit (31 games, including 24 on defense), he has yet to really make his mark. Over the past couple seasons, Michigan has brought in Ernest Hausmann from Nebraska and Jaishawn Barham from Maryland to play inside linebacker, and Rolder has patiently waited for his opportunity. This off-season saw the addition of Troy Bowles from Georgia, too. The 6'2", 240 lb. Rolder would probably be starting by now in another era (26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss in 2024), but it looks like he'll be in the second group of inside linebackers, along with Cole Sullivan. Last year's rank: #33.

38. OT Brady Norton (RS So.): Norton transferred to Michigan this off-season after spending two seasons at Cal Poly where he started eleven games in 2024, earning Freshman All-America status for FCS. Though the spring roster still listed him at 6'3", 275 lbs., he insists that was his playing weight as a freshman and that he's more like 315 lbs. now. I tend to think he's a year away from playing at the Big Ten level, and he will probably end up playing guard before all is said and done. For now I think he'll be one of the top eight or nine linemen who could sub in if there's an injury or get some developmental time. With Giovanni El-Hadi, Lawrence Hattar, and Greg Crippen all out of eligibility after 2025, there will be three spots open on the interior.

37. C Jake Guarnera (RS Fr.): Guarnera played in five games on special teams in 2024, preserving his redshirt since one of those games was the bowl game against Alabama. The 6'4", 317 lb. second-year player has received some quiet praise from the coaches and looks like he might be the backup center for 2025 behind Greg Crippen. Crippen is a fifth year senior and should have a stranglehold on the position, but he did face stiff competition from a converted defensive tackle last year in Dominick Giudice, so there might be some shakiness that Guarnera could help to stabilize. Last year's rank: #102.

36. OT Blake Frazier (RS Fr.): Frazier was a well regarded recruit in the 2024 class who needed to add weight and also dealt with some injuries over the past couple years. The son of former Michigan center Steve Frazier, Blake is someone who has received praise from the coaches and could very well slide in at tackle this season. Sam Webb has been projecting Frazier to start. I'm not quite there yet because the injury/inexperience combination scares me a little bit, so I'm leaning toward Evan Link starting at left tackle. Meanwhile, true freshman Andrew Babalola is also fighting to play, so it seems like a three-way battle. Last year's rank: #91.

2025 Season Countdown: #41-45

 

Shamari Earls (image via On3)

45. P Hudson Hollenbeck (RS Jr.): The 6'2", 206-pounder filled in well for Tommy Doman last season after Doman decided to transfer. He punted 6 times for 277 yards (46.2 yards/punt), put two of those punts inside the 20-yard line, and also served as the holder for Dominic Zvada at times. I wouldn't have been too surprised if Michigan went into 2025 with Hollenbeck as the punter, but they brought in Missouri starter Luke Bauer. I have to believe Bauer is the frontrunner for the job, but Hollenbeck is a good all-around backup who can punt, hold, and kick off. Last year's rank: #44a.

44. TE Jalen Hoffman (RS Jr.): Hoffman played in all thirteen games last year, including two on offense. He was backing up Max Bredeson, so there's a reason he didn't play much. But Hoffman burst onto the scene this spring, catching an 88-yard touchdown from Bryce Underwood on his way to 7 catches for 148 yards overall. Maybe Hoffman is one of those guys who flashes in the spring game and doesn't do much beyond that, but he looks like a legitimate receiving option out of the backfield. Last year's rank: #72.

43. DT Enow Etta (RS So.): Etta spent the 2023 season playing edge before bulking up to play inside last year. The experiment didn't go that well in 2024: he started one game but was largely ineffective and made just 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup overall across ten games. Word coming from the coaches suggests Etta has taken the next step in his development. It would be nice to get some pass rush from the interior, where Rayshaun Benny does well to get after the quarterback but not many other guys do. Etta should be a key backup and stays right here at #43, the same spot he was last season. Last year's rank: #43.

42. CB Shamari Earls (Fr.): Earls (4-star, #13 CB, #88 overall) is the rare young cornerback who looks not only physically ready to play, but perhaps more developed than many veteran college corners. Listed at 6'2" and 203 lbs., he appeared in the spring game and physically looked like Will Johnson. Earls's recruiting rankings might be a little depressed because he missed his senior season due to injury, but he should step in and play pretty early. While he probably won't begin the season as a starter, he may progress to that point throughout the year. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry should be the starting corners, but with Berry's ability to play other positions, the coaching staff could do some position switching if Earls is ready.

41. WR Peyton O'Leary (RS Sr.): O'Leary has progressed throughout his career from walk-on to a six-game starter in 2024, when he was in his fourth year in the program. He caught 10 passes for 102 yards and notched his second career touchdown. At 6'3" and 203 lbs., O'Leary provided/provides some of the size that was largely lacking at the receiver position, but Michigan address that issue with signing Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley this off-season. O'Leary's upside is limited, but he should still be heavily in the rotation. Last year's rank: #60.

2025 Season Countdown: #46-50

Andrew Babalola

50. DT Ike Iwunnah (RS Sr.): Iwunnah was a nice little success story in 2024. In a pretty rare career swing, he went from not playing at all in his first three years to being a pretty key rotation player in the defensive line as a redshirt junior. Michigan was very talented at defensive tackle last year but pretty thin outside of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Rayshaun Benny. The great defensive lines over the past few years have had to play about five guys on the interior pretty regularly, and Iwunnah broke into that rotation, making 8 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. This season should see more of the same with Benny and Trey Pierce back, along with transfers Damon Payne (Alabama) and Tre Williams (Clemson). Last year's rank: #83.

49. WR Anthony Simpson (RS Sr.): Simpson transferred in from UMass after starting his career at Arizona, playing two seasons at each stop. Altogether, he has a respectable 68 receptions for 910 yards and 3 touchdowns in his college career, but most of that (57 catches, 792 yards, all 3 TDs) came in 2023 for the Minutement. The 5'11", 184-pounder could be a bit of a gadget guy and might provide some run-after-catch abilities. I don't expect him to start, but there's a possibility that he could play a similar role to what we saw from Semaj Morgan during the 2023 national championship season.

48. S Jacob Oden (So.): Oden earned his way onto special teams late in the season, playing in four games and preserving his redshirt. The 6'1", 196-pounder could be a bit of an insurance policy in 2025, depending on the health of former starter Rod Moore, who missed all of 2024 with an injury. Michigan lost starter Makari Paige and heavy contributor Quinten Johnson, bumping up Oden, Brandyn Hillman, and Jaden Mangham, the last of whom transferred from Michigan State prior to last season. Oden will probably start seeing some time on defense this fall. Last year's rank: #87.

47. OT Andrew Babalola (Fr.): Aside from quarterback - where freshman Bryce Underwood seems likely to starter over Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene - the left tackle battle is probably the most interesting one on the team. Babalola (5-star, #3 OT, #16 overall) is listed at 6'6" and 300 lbs. on Michigan's roster and could potentially be the starting left tackle by season's end. But he's contending with redshirt sophomore Andrew Link, who started at right tackle last season, and redshirt freshman Blake Frazier. Link appears to be the nominal starter going into fall, and Sam Webb thinks Frazier will win the job. Regardless, Babalola should get some playing time this fall and will probably be the front-runner to start in 2026.

46. S Mason Curtis (So.): Curtis is one of the most interesting players on the roster when it comes to figuring out how to rank him and how much he will play. He looked like a possible edge player as a recruit, then a linebacker, and then settled in somewhat at safety last season, playing in five games at safety and making 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 interception. At 6'5" and 200 lbs., he looks a little odd at safety but he could potentially be a "big nickel" this season if/when Michigan decides to deploy that look. Last year's rank: #112.

2025 Season Countdown: #51-55

 

Jaydon Hood

55. TE Zack Marshall (RS So.): Marshall played in all thirteen games last season, mostly on special teams; he played in just four games on offense and didn't record any stats other than 1 special teams tackle. I expect Michigan's new offensive coordinator to incorporate a little bit more spread to the offense to give Bryce Underwood room to operate, so I think the tight end position will be de-emphasized some. Marshall will be backing up the likes of Marlin Klein and Max Bredeson, and it appears second-year player Hogan Hansen and former walk-on Jalen Hoffman have also passed him up. Last year's rank: #47a.

54. LB Jaydon Hood (RS Sr.): To be perfectly honest, I was surprised when Jaydon Hood made it through the transfer portal window without trying to go somewhere else. That's not an indictment of his talent, but a nod to the other talented linebackers Michigan has kept bringing in, including Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham as transfers, along with Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder as recruits. Toss in Georgia transfer Troy Bowles and it seemed like Hood would have had good reason to play his final year elsewhere. But he played linebacker in eight games last year, making 9 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, so there's still potential for him to play a meaningful backup role and on special teams. Last year's rank: #41.

53. CB Jo'Ziah Edmond (So.): I had trouble finding where to rank Edmond, a 6'1", 180 lb. second-year player whom the coaches were very high on when he arrived in 2024. He played in eight total games, including four at cornerback, and made 2 tackles on the year. On the one hand, burning a redshirt for a backup role usually indicates a significant role the next year. On the other hand, Michigan brought in the Metcalf brothers from Arkansas, moved Zeke Berry to cornerback full-time, and also landed an elite player in 2025 recruit Shamari Earls. Edmond could be anywhere from the third corner behind Berry and Jyaire Hill to the sixth corner behind those two and Earls, Jeremiah Lowe, and Tevis Metcalf. Last year's rank: #78.

52. WR Kendrick Bell (RS So.): Bell was a high school quarterback who transitioned to wide receiver in 2023, and he did play more in 2024 than I expected, making 7 catches for 70 yards. The wide receiver spot is up in the air, but I didn't see much last year that makes me excited for his role in 2025. I may be reading too much into this, but there was also a recent interview of Sherrone Moore where he was mentioning receivers and forgot to mention the 6'2", 191 lb. Bell until asked specifically, so I think Bell's role will be minor this year. Last year's rank: #55.

51. WR C.J. Charleston (6th): Charleston played in ten games and started two last year for the Wolverines, making 1 catch for 22 yards. A leg injury late in the season ended his campaign, and he somewhat unexpectedly decided to return for 2025. I tend to think he returned with an eye on playing as much or more in 2025, but his role was largely as a blocker and a guy who could be put in motion. With transfers like Donaven McCulley and Anthony Simpson stepping in, I'm not sure there's much opportunity for Charleston to take on a big role, but he's experienced, the coaches seemed to like his toughness, and he can contribute on specials. Last year's rank: #46.

2025 Season Countdown: #56-60

 

Andrew Marsh

60. OT Connor Jones (RS Jr.): Jones is listed at 6'6", 320 lbs. in his fourth year in the program. Whereas there was some buzz around him earlier in his career, he seems to have fallen behind several other players at this point. He's not mentioned in the running to play much, but he is a backup option who could eat up some snaps during mop-up duty. He has played in just three games up to this point in his career. Last year's rank:#66.

59. WR Andrew Marsh (Fr.): Marsh (4-star, #16 WR, #117 overall) is a wild card for the 2025 season. He could do anything from lead the team in receiving to redshirt without playing much. At 6'0" and 175 lbs., he doesn't have overwhelming size and he's not necessarily a blazer, either. But the buzz has been strong about him looking like the best receiver on the field at various times. I tend to think it will be at least 2026 before we see him fully unleashed, but the potential is there for him to outplay the #59 ranking this season.

58. CB Caleb Anderson (6th): Anderson spent his first five seasons at Louisiana, where he was at one time coached by defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan. He made thirteen starts during his five years there, including four last year when he made 18 tackles. Injuries have been a bit of an issue, and that continued in the spring after he transferred in. I don't know what to expect from Anderson, but there is a track record of defensive backs transferring in to Michigan and not playing much, including Wayne Lyons (Stanford) and Casey Hughes (Utah). And while there are success stories, too (Josh Wallace from UMass, Aamir Hall from Albany), I lean more toward the talented defensive backs beating out the experience of Anderson. But it's nice to have a 6'3", 200-pounder with five years of experience under his belt.

57. QB Jake Garcia (RS Sr.): Garcia committed to Michigan this spring after bouncing around from Miami to Missouri to East Carolina. A highly touted high school quarterback, he has not played up to his ranking (4-star, #8 QB, #48 overall in 2021) and has managed just 60.6% completions, 2,376 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions while playing in fifteen total games over four years. At 6'4" and 203 lbs., he's a good athlete with a decent arm. I don't expect him to beat out Bryce Underwood or Mikey Keene (unless Keene's spring injury lingers), but he is a step up athletically from Davis Warren. In other words, Michigan should be better at quarterback in 2025 than they were in 2024 even if they get down to their third QB.

56. RB John Volker (RS Sr.): Volker is a 6'0", 210 lb. back who spent the past four seasons at Princeton. Probably best used as a short yardage back in his upcoming year at Michigan, he ran for 514 yards and 7 touchdowns on 89 carries last season. He does have 75- and 51-yard runs over the past couple seasons in the Ivy League, so there's potential for some bigger plays, but that speed will likely be negated at the Big Ten level. I think the players vying for the third running back job are all fairly equal overall, but I see Volker as the best option ahead of C.J. Hester, Micah Ka'apana, Donovan Johnson, and Jasper Parker.

2025 Season Countdown: #61-65

 

Nate Marshall

65. RB Micah Ka'apana (RS Fr.): As expected for last season, Ka'apana took a redshirt after playing in just two games. He looked tiny - and still doesn't look very big - but was able to catch a jet sweep pass for 4 yards against Northwestern. He looked decent in the spring on a few runs, but he just doesn't have the strength at this point to power through tackles. He's probably another year or two away from contributing in a big way, but his quickness and pass catching skills may prove to be valuable since the top couple backs are known more for being powerful and tough. Last year's rank: #94.

64. DE Nate Marshall (Fr.): Marshall (4-star, #3 edge, and #43 overall) seems to be flying under the radar a little bit for being the #43 overall recruit in the 2025 class, but my hunch is that might change once the fall comes. Unlike a couple of the skinny edges Michigan landed in 2024 (Lugard Edokpayi, Devon Baxter), Marshall was listed at 6'4" and 265 lbs. as a recruit and should come in more ready to play, somewhat like Derrick Moore in 2022. Moore was listed at 6'3", 279 lbs. as a freshman and has slimmed down, but I think Marshall is more athletic. He probably won't break into the top four of Moore, T.J. Guy, Cam Brandt, and Dominic Nichols, but he should get some playing time to whet our appetites for 2026 and beyond.

63. DE Tyler McLaurin (RS Sr.): Over McLaurin's first three seasons at Michigan, he played in just five games. He was listed in his third year as a 227 lb. edge player, which wasn't going to work. This spring he was listed at a reasonable 252 lbs., and while he's not talented enough to see much playing time on defense, that at least makes him a somewhat viable option in a pinch. The 2024 season saw an uptick in playing time on special teams, where he played in all thirteen games. I expect that to continue in 2025. Last year's rank: #67.

62. WR Channing Goodwin (RS Fr.): Listed at 6'1" and 185 lbs., Goodwin returns in 2025 after playing in four games and preserving his redshirt in 2024. He played a little on special teams and a little at receiver. From what we saw in the spring game, I still think Goodwin is a possession receiver at best at this point. He does seem like someone the coaches trust to do the right thing, so I imagine he'll be a guy who plays quite a bit in 2025 but without getting targeted much.

61. WR Joe Taylor (RS Sr.): Taylor is a former walk-on who was named Special Teams Player of the Year for Michigan in 2024. He does a little bit of everything and returned 4 kickoffs for 69 yards, caught 1 pass for 9 yards, made 4 tackles, and forced 1 fumble. I keep hoping Michigan will find someone else to put deep to return kickoffs because, while Taylor is supposedly one of the fastest players on the team, he just doesn't have much wiggle or tackle breaking ability. Regardless of whether Michigan finds someone with a little more potential or not, Taylor will undoubtedly play quite a bit on specials.

2025 Season Countdown: #66-70

 

Kainoa Winston

70. S Kainoa Winston (Fr.): Winston (4-star, #10 safety, #96 overall) has the disadvantage of not enrolling early, but he's a speedy player who hits hard and was a top-100 recruit in the class of 2025. There has been a lot of talk about Arkansas transfer Tevis Metcalf, and perhaps for good reason, but I think Winston could emerge on special teams and perhaps at nickel toward the end of the season if the opportunity arises.

69. S Nico Andrighetto (RS Jr.): The 5'9", 190 lb. walk-on played in four games last season and notched a half-sack against Northwestern. He will probably be a regular on special teams this season, though I don't expect him to contribute much on defense unless it's garbage time. Last year's rank: #100.

68. LB Troy Bowles (RS So.): The son of NFL coach Todd Bowles, Troy spent the past two seasons at Georgia, where he played a total of seven games and made 5 total tackles. He played in just two contests last year, taking a redshirt before transferring to Ann Arbor for his third season. Michigan has some solid depth at inside linebacker, and I suppose that includes Bowles, whom Michigan recruited out of high school. With Jimmy Rolder, Cole Sullivan, and Jaydon Hood backing up Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, I don't think there will be many snaps left for the 6'0", 220 lb. Bowles this season.

67b. K Stuart Blake (RS Fr.): Blake is a 6'1", 179 lb. kicker from Jenkintown (PA) Jenkintown who was on the team but did not play in 2024. Michigan was somewhat active in the transfer portal this off-season after losing punter Tommy Doman to transfer, but they didn't bring in much placekicking help other than a flyer on Beckham Sunderland (see below). Perhaps that shows some confidence in Blake's abilities, but special teams are anyone's guess.

67a. K Beckham Sunderland (RS So.): Sunderland is a former MLS - that's soccer, folks - player who was a goalkeeper before embarking in a college kicking career at Texas State. Last season he was a backup kicker, but he sent 6 out of 8 kickoffs for touchbacks and also went 1/1 on extra points. His best chance to get on the field is probably as a kickoff specialist, but I have no idea how the competition for that job will shake out.

66. LS Dan Rosenberg (RS So): Rosenberg is a 6'0", 245 lb. player who was a former starting long snapper at Holy Cross. He threw his name into the transfer portal this off-season, but as far as I know, he has yet to find a landing spot. He was on Michigan's spring roster, and for now, I'll assume that he stays in Ann Arbor. With Greg Tarr the almost certain starter this fall, the backup job comes down to Rosenberg - who has the most experience - and Evan Boutorwick and James Kavouklis. 

2025 Season Countdown: #71-75

 

Jadyn Davis (image via USA Today)

75. QB Jadyn Davis (RS Fr.): Davis was the #112 overall prospect in the class of 2024, but going into his second year at Michigan, he still has a lot of mechanical things to improve, particularly his long delivery. I would have ranked him higher in this year's countdown if not for the late arrival of Jake Garcia, but I think Garcia's college experience will push him ahead. My guess is that Davis will be #4 on the depth chart behind Bryce Underwood, Mikey Keene, and Garcia. Last year's rank: #97.

74. TE Deakon Tonielli (RS So.): Well, I overshot Last year on Tonielli, ranking him #45 and thinking he would be essentially the #3 tight end behind Colston Loveland and Marlin Klein. Instead, Hogan Hansen took that role while Tonielli earned Scout Team Player of the Week honors twice. This year it seems like the tight end role will be diminished a little bit, and also there has been an emergence of Jalen Hoffman at the H-back position. I would also like to see Tonielli a little heavier on the fall roster, because he was 6'5", 238 lbs. on the spring roster. Last year's rank: #45.

73. CB Jeremiah Lowe (RS Fr.): Lowe didn't play at all in 2024, taking a redshirt. This spring he was listed at 5'11" and 177 lbs. and was sort of an afterthought with the arrival of early enrollee Shamari Earls and a couple transfers in the defensive backfield. Lowe then made 2 interceptions in the spring game to put himself on the radar. I'm not ready to buy into him being a heavy contributor in Michigan's defense, but there were plays to be made in the spring game and he made them. (He also had another nice pass breakup that was almost an interception.) Perhaps we'll see him play a backup role in the hopes of becoming a bigger contributor in 2026. Last year's rank: #107.

72. OT Ty Haywood (Fr.): Haywood is just a freshman, and it's tough to get on the field as a freshman offensive lineman. However, he was #39 overall in the 247 Composite and flipped from Alabama. He's a legit player but might need some time to develop after enrolling over the summer (unlike classmate Andrew Babalola who arrived in January). I don't expect Haywood to compete for a starting job in 2025, but he could have an Andrew Sprague-like freshman year where he shows up late and then vies for a starting job in 2026.

71. RB C.J. Hester (RS Jr.): Hester is a transfer from UMass and led the Minutemen in rushing attempts in 2024, running 119 times for 529 yards and 4 touchdowns. At 5'11" and 195 pounds, he's an adequate back but not particularly fast, elusive, or powerful. Michigan has a deep but largely unproven backfield this season, and Hester will probably be a relatively minor contributor behind Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes.

2025 Season Countdown: #76-80

 

Brady Prieskorn

80. DE Lugard Edokpayi (RS Fr.): The long, lanky Edokpayi was listed at 6'7" and 232 lbs. on the spring roster, and looking at him on the field in the spring, that seems about right. There's probably not going to be much opportunity for him to see the field in important moments until he adds some bulk, and he gets stalemated too easily by offensive tackles right now. We're probably looking at another season of development for him. Last year's rank: #93.

79. DT Deyvid Palepale (RS Fr.): We haven't heard too much about Palepale since he arrived on campus, and that's not too surprising. Listed at 6'2", 335 lbs. this spring, he's likely exclusively a nose tackle and Michigan has a few guys who can play the nose now that they brought in Tre Williams from Clemson and Damon Payne from Alabama. Palepale could be a plugger down the road, but 2025 probably won't be a breakout for him. Last year's rank: #62.

78. OT Ben Roebuck (RS Fr.): Roebuck is an interesting offensive line guy, someone who was gargantuan in high school and then leaned out, presumably in an attempt to rebuild his body. At 6'7" he has a massive frame to work with, but there were times where I think he looked too heavy in high school. After dropping down into the high 200s, he's now listed at 305 lbs. I don't think Roebuck will break into the top eight or so linemen this fall, so he's a deep bench option for now. Last year's rank: #92.

77. TE Brady Prieskorn (RS Fr.): I thought Prieskorn would play quite a bit more last season, but he was behind fellow freshman Hogan Hansen and then suffered a leg injury during pre-game warmups. He ended up redshirting. Michigan lost starter Colston Loveland, but I think we'll see a little less tight end usage under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsay. Hansen, Marlin Klein, Max Bredeson, and Jalen Hoffman all seem like viable options to get a good chunk of snaps, and it becomes questionable after that. Last year's rank: #47b.

76. WR I'Marion Stewart (RS Fr.): Stewart is still listed at 5'11", 180 lbs. on the spring roster. He won Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week for preparing the defense for USC, presumably for playing the role of Zachariah Branch (or maybe Makai Lemon). There's a possibility that he could factor in on kickoff or punt returns, but as for playing the receiver position, it seems like he will need some more time to break into the rotation. Last year's rank:#90.

2025 Season Countdown: #81-85

 

Jamar Browder

85. CB Tevis Metcalf (So.): Metcalf is listed at 5'10", 192 lbs. after transferring from Arkansas this off-season with his brother T.J. He played in twelve games last season with the Razorbacks, all of them on special teams and two of them on defense. I think the defensive adjustment may be significant and there's a good amount of competition to get on the field at cornerback, but he's a good addition for the coming years.

84. WR Jamar Browder (Fr.): Browder (3-star, #82 WR, #540 overall) is a 6'5", 208 lb. freshman receiver who enrolled early over the winter. The coaching staff has mentioned wanting to add size at the receiver position, and Browder brings that element, along with Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley. I think hands and route running are going to be an issue early for Browder, but the coaches seem to like him and his size maybe advantageous enough in certain situations or games to put him out on the field.

83. S Max Reyes (RS Jr.): Reyes is a redshirt junior that many fans might not know, but he's a "sleeper" pick of mine to be a key special teams contributor. He was a solid high school baseball player and a backup quarterback to Quinn Ewers in high school, a football powerhouse at Southlake Carroll. Split squad caveats apply, but he has played quite a bit in his spring game opportunities and seems like a solid tackler. I think he might end up playing quite a bit on coverage units this fall. Last year's rank: #99.

82. RB Bryson Kuzdzal (RS So.): Kuzdzal is a third-year player who had a good spring game and burst on to the scene, making his name known for the first time to many fans. He ran for 1,378 yards and scored 26 total touchdowns as a senior in the class of 2023, and he set personal record times of 10.99 in the 100 meters and 22.20 in the 200 meters during the spring of his senior year. With Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes virtually cemented in as the top two backs for this season, it will be a battle for the third spot between Kuzdzal, Princeton transfer John Volker, UMass transfer C.J. Hester, and redshirt freshman Micah Ka'apana. Last year's rank: #127.

81. DE Chibi Anwunah (RS Jr.): Anwunah is a former walk-on who is now listed at 6'5" and 278 pounds after bouncing around a little bit between tight end and defensive end. He played in two games last season and presumably moves up the ranks a little bit after Michigan lost Josaiah Stewart to the NFL and didn't bring in any transfers. He's still behind several guys and perhaps some young players like Devon Baxter, Lugard Edokpayi, and Nate Marshall will pass him up, but Anwunah's 278 pounds might give him a leg up over some of the lighter, more athletic options. Last year's rank: #95.

2025 Season Countdown: #86-90

 

Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng

90. WR Jacob Washington (Fr.): Washington (4-star, #28 WR, #200 overall) hails from Louisiana and is a 6'3", 180 lb. wideout. Michigan is in need of some bigger targets at receiver, and now they have some in the pipeline with Washington, fellow freshman Jamar Browder, and transfer Donaven McCulley. Washington has probably put on some weight in the meantime, but his route running and strength need some work, so I would expect him to redshirt this fall.

89. WR Jasper Parker (Fr.): Parker (4-star, #19 RB, #284 overall) is a 6'0", 189 lb. freshman who was a teammate of Washington in high school. He ran for 1,464 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in 2024. Parker has some elements to be a good back, as I like his patience and his ability to sink his hips and make some sharp cuts. I gave him a TTB Rating of 68 when he committed, but that's because of the running back depth chart and the nature of the transfer portal these days. I could easily see him outplaying that rating. Regardless, he's probably headed for a redshirt this season, but I could see him getting more playing time than fellow freshman back Donovan Johnson.

88. LB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (Fr.): Owusu-Boateng is a 6'1", 203 lb. linebacker who ranked as a 4-star, the #14 linebacker, and #145 overall. The Michigan coaches apparently love what he brings to the table, but he's still very light. Enrolling early might help him, but he's probably more of a special teams player than a linebacker for this season.

87. CB Jayden Sanders (Fr.): The lanky Texan cornerback was listed at 6'2", 172 lbs. as a recruit, but there are some reports that he's probably 6'3" after hitting a bit of a growth spurt. Sanders (4-star, #24 CB, #229 overall) could play a backup role on a unit that doesn't have much proven depth, but he's a likely redshirt candidate. Classmate Shamari Earls is more physically ready to contribute this season.

86. OG Luke Hamilton (RS Fr.): Hamilton is listed at 6'5", 315 lbs. in his second year of college after not playing at all in 2024. That's about 25 pounds heavier than he was listed as a recruit. There is room for some new contributions on the interior offensive line after a few interior guys left after the 2024 season, but Michigan also brought in players like Ferris State's Lawrence Hattar and Cal Poly's Brady Norton. It will probably be another year of backup duty for Hamilton. Last year's rank: #114.

2025 Season Countdown: #91-95

 

Manuel Beigel

95. DT Manuel Beigel (RS Fr.): Beigel is a 6'5", 300 lb. German native who spent one season playing football in America as a senior in the fall of 2023 and then took a redshirt in 2024 after playing in just one game. We haven't heard much about him since he arrived at Michigan, but scouts raved about his athleticism when he was a recruit. If we're judging from other international prospects like Luiji Vilain (Canada), Julius Welschof (Germany), and Aymeric Koumba (France), it will take some time before Beigel is ready to contribute. With the depth on Michigan's defensive line, I don't expect Beigel to play much of a role in 2025. Last year's rank: #128.

94. RB Donovan Johnson (Fr.): Johnson (3-star, #39 RB, #477 overall) has had some injury issues in the past, which deflated his recruitment. He ran just 48 times for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in seven games as a senior after missing his junior season due to injury. Now up to a listed 6'0", 213 lbs. on MGoBlue.com, he's going to be swimming upstream against a pretty deep backfield. Aside from surefire contributors Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, the Wolverines brought in C.J. Hester from UMass and John Volker from Princeton. It always seems like a freshman sneaks in for a pretty sizable backup role, but that will be a tall task in 2025.

93. OT Daniel Taraboi (RS Jr.): The 6'7", 328 lb. mammoth former walk-on played in one game last year, making an appearance on special teams against Northwestern. That's probably his best opportunity for playing time, where being a big body can help on a field goal protection unit without being super mobile. Last year's rank: #101.

92. DE Devon Baxter (RS Fr.): Baxter is listed at 6'6" and 240 pounds on the roster, which is still rather lean for an edge rusher. He has probably added some weight to that frame this off-season, but he has not been mentioned much in the discussion for playing time. The top four edges are expected to be Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy, Cam Brandt, and Dominic Nichols. I really like his athletic potential, but he's probably at least a year away from significant playing time. Last year's rank: #109.

91. S Elijah Dotson (Fr.): Dotson (4-star, #11 S, #131 overall) was a late flip from Pitt to Michigan, having committed to the Wolverines toward the end of November. He was followed shortly by #1 overall player Bryce Underwood, also from Belleville High. Dotson could potentially play wide receiver, where he also starred in high school, but he's starting out at safety in college. He seems to have flown under the radar a little bit, especially for a player who ranked #131 overall in the 247 Composite. That being said, Michigan has a pretty deep defensive backfield, so Dotson will probably have to bide his time on the sideline this fall.

2025 Season Countdown: #96-100

 

Davis Warren

100. OL Brooks Bahr (RS So.): Bahr is now listed at a respectable 6'5" and 319 pounds, but over two seasons at Michigan, he has yet to see the field. He came in as an oversized defensive end and switched to offensive line last year, so he's bound to take some time to adjust to that side of the ball. With some highly touted freshmen coming in, a couple transfers, and the other returning players, it's unlikely that Bahr will play a role in 2025 unless he's part of the field goal protection unit. Last year's rank: #81.

99. DT Ted Hammond (RS Fr.): Hammond, much like Bahr, came in as a jumbo defensive end who looked like a tweener on the defensive line. That's still the case now that he's listed at 6'5" and 282 pounds, because he's not athletic enough to play an edge role but he's probably still too light to play on the interior. He probably needs another year or two of development, along with some of the older defensive tackles to depart. Last year's rank: #106.

98. S Jordan Young (Fr.): Young (4-star, #4 ATH, #120 overall) was a late recruiting win for Michigan as the Wolverines flipped him from Clemson. He could potentially play nickel even though he was ranked as a safety, but it's tough for a freshman defensive back to come in and play early with the complicated defense that Wink Martindale runs. He's probably a few spots down on the depth chart going into the season.

97. LS Evan Boutorwick (RS Jr.): Boutorwick has spent three seasons in Ann Arbor and has yet to see the field. The obvious mitigating factor is that he has had William Wagner and Greg Tarr ahead of him, both of whom have been good players. Boutorwick threw his name in the transfer portal this off-season, perhaps in anticipation of potential roster limits, which did not come to pass. I have not seen news that he is actually transferring, but Michigan brought in transfer Dan Rosenberg, who has starting experience at Holy Cross, and Tarr also returns as the likely starter. Last year's rank: #63.

96. QB Davis Warren (RS Sr.): It might be surprising to see Warren ranked all the way down here at #96, since he was the starter for most of the 2024 season. However, he tore his ACL in the bowl game against Alabama, and Michigan probably has at least two quarterbacks this season who are better than him in freshman Bryce Underwood and incoming transfer Mikey Keene. Warren's season was underwhelming from a statistical standpoint (134/209, 64.1% completions, 1199 yards, 7 TD, 9 INT), but he did beat Michigan State, Ohio State, and Alabama as a starting quarterback. I would expect him to drop to at least #3 on the depth chart even if he returns to some semblance of playable health. Last year's rank: #29.

2025 Season Countdown: #101-104

 

Chase Herbstreit (#7) and family

Okay, so as I mentioned before, this summer has been an odd one because of some personal stuff going on. Because of that, I basically ignored the 2025 Season Countdown for several weeks and I've mainly just been trying to keep up with commitment posts and visitor lists during a busy June/July. As an attempt to catch back up, I'm going to do the countdown in batches instead of individually until I can catch up.

104. QB Chase Herbstreit (Fr.): The son of former Ohio State quarterback and current ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Chase (3-star, #149 QB, #2222 overall) was a late addition to the class of 2025. With Bryce Underwood and Mikey Keene vying for the starting job, the real race is for the #3 spot, which could go to incoming transfer Jake Garcia or redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis (or fifth year senior Davis Warren if he gets healthy). But Herbstreit will almost certainly be on the outside looking in.

103. C Kaden Strayhorn (Fr.): Strayhorn (3-star, #35 IOL, #518 overall), the son of former Michigan State defensive tackle Jason Strayhorn, came from IMG Academy and enrolled early. He struggled a little bit in the spring game, which is to be expected, especially since he spent a lot of time playing tackle in high school. With Greg Crippen returning as a starter and a couple other guys, including redshirt freshman Jake Guarnera, also getting snaps in practice, Strayhorn will probably be no higher than #3 or #4 on the depth chart at center.

102. TE Eli Owens (Fr.): Owens, the son of former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens (just kidding), wants to be the next Max Bredeson. The problem is that former walk-on Jalen Hoffman also wants to be the next Max Bredeson, and Hoffman was the star of the spring game. Owens (3-star, #29 TE, #562 overall) is probably going to be a thumping fullback/H-back at some point in his career, but we'll likely have to wait for 2026 after Max Bredeson graduates.

101. DT Travis Moten (Fr.): Moten (4-star, #35 DL, #328 overall) is listed at 6'5" and 250 pounds, and he's headed for the defensive tackle position in college. Even if he has added significant weight since his senior season, it's tough to play on the interior defensive line in college because the musculature and technique just haven't caught up yet to where they need to be. Michigan rotates a ton on the defensive line and also needs to keep an eye on developing for 2026, because a bunch of seniors will leave the squad after this season. So maybe Moten can sneak in some garbage time snaps, but he probably won't play a significant role.

Jordan Deck, Wolverine

 

Jordan Deck

Frisco (TX) Lone Star safety Jordan Deck flipped from Baylor to Michigan on Wednesday night, less than a month after committing to the Golden Bears. Other schools who threw their hat in the ring were Auburn, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas A&M, and more.

Deck is listed at 6'1" and 190 pounds. As a junior in 2024, he made 42 tackles, 1 sack, and 12 pass breakups. He had 5 interceptions as a sophomore in 2023.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 79 grade, #35 safety
Rivals: 4-star, 90 grade, #26 safety
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #25 safety

Hit the jump for more.

Marky Walbridge, Wolverine

 

Marky Walbridge with head coach Sherrone Moore

Needham (MA) St. Sebastian's offensive tackle Marky Walbridge committed to Michigan on June 25th. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Boston College, Florida, Ohio State, and Penn State, among others.

Walbridge is listed at 6'6" and 280 pounds.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 78 grade, #66 IOL
Rivals: 4-star, 90 grade, #14 IOL, #235 overall
247 Sports: 3-star, 87 grade, #64 OT

Hit the jump for more.

Micah Drescher, Wolverine

 

Micah Drescher (left, image via On3)

Hinsdale (IL) Central kicker Micah Drescher committed to Michigan on June 18. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Air Force and Northwestern.

Drescher is listed at 6'2" and 188 pounds. As a junior in 2024, he made 3/5 field goals; the makes were from 47, 37, and 30 yards, and one of the misses was blocked. He made 35/36 extra points, had 42/50 kickoffs turn into touchbacks, and pinned 10 of his 22 punts inside the 20-yard line.

RANKINGS
ESPN: Unranked
Rivals: 3-star, 80 grade, #9 K
247 Sports: 3-star, 80 grade, #14 K

Hit the jump for more.

Way Too Early 2026 Depth Chart: July 2025

 

Jyaire Hill (image via X)

The following depth chart has removed these listed players from the roster:

• QB Mikey Keene (graduation)
• QB Davis Warren (graduation)
• RB John Volker (graduation)
• WR C.J. Charleston (graduation)
• WR Donaven McCulley (graduation)
• WR Peyton O'Leary (graduation)
• WR Anthony Simpson (graduation)
• TE Max Bredeson (graduation)
• OL Greg Crippen (graduation)
• OL Giovanni El-Hadi (graduation)
• OL Lawrence Hattar (graduation)
• EDGE T.J. Guy (graduation)
• EDGE Tyler McLaurin (graduation)
• EDGE Derrick Moore (graduation)
• DT Rayshaun Benny (graduation)
• DT Ike Iwunnah (graduation)
• DT Damon Payne (graduation)
• DT Tre Williams (graduation)
• LB Jaishawn Barham (graduation)
• LB Ernest Hausmann (graduation)
• LB Jaydon Hood (graduation)
• DB Caleb Anderson (graduation)
• DB Zeke Berry (graduation)
• DB Rod Moore (graduation)
• K Dominic Zvada (graduation)
• P Luke Bauer (graduation)

It assumes that every currently rostered player and every currently committed prospect will be here in the fall of 2026, which is obviously not true.

Hit the jump for the depth chart.

Brody Jennings, Ex-Wolverine

 

Brody Jennings (center) with the late Bradley Jennings, Sr. (left) and Sherrone Moore (right, image via Wolverine Chronicle)

Jacksonville (FL) Mandarin cornerback Brody Jennings de-committed from Michigan last week and flipped to Miami. He had been committed to the Wolverines since July 28, 2024.

Jennings is a 6'1", 175 lb. corner who's ranked as a 4-star, the #24 cornerback, and #277 overall in the 247 Composite list for 2026. In addition to Miami and Michigan, he had taken official visits to Auburn, Florida, and Florida State.

Unfortunately, Jennings's father Bradley Jennings died unexpectedly toward the end of May, which was a big reason why Brody decided to stay closer to home. His older brothers Bradley Jennings, Jr. and Branden Jennings both played college football. While Bradley Jennings, Sr. played linebacker at Florida State, his namesake played for Miami and Indiana, and Branden (who was once also committed to Michigan) ended up at Maryland, Kansas State, UCF, and Mississippi State.

Not to make light of the situation, but it's not often that two brothers were both committed to Michigan and de-committed. I guess the closest thing I can remember is Ben Van Sumeren, who played in Ann Arbor before transferring to Michigan State, and Alex Van Sumeren, who de-committed from the Wolverines after Ben decided to transfer.

On the same day Jennings flipped to Miami, Michigan landed Georgia cornerback Dorian Barney, who joined Virginia product Andre Clarke, Jr. in the defensive backfield for the Wolverines. Michigan is still pursuing several defensive backs to fill out the 2026 class.

Alister Vallejo, Wolverine

 

Liberty Hill (TX) Liberty Hill DT Alister Vallejo

Liberty Hill (TX) Liberty Hill defensive tackle Alister Vallejo committed to Michigan on June 10. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Kansas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, and SMU, among others.

Vallejo is listed at 6'3" and 310 pounds. As a junior in 2024, he made 51 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and 4 blocked kicks.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #29 DL
On3: 3-star, 87 grade, #82 DL
Rivals: 3-star DE, 5.7 grade
247 Sports: 4-star, 91 grade, #32 DL, #204 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Travis Johnson, Wolverine

 

Travis Johnson with WR coach Ronald Bellamy

Chesapeake (VA) Oscar Smith wide receiver Travis Johnson committed to Michigan on Saturday. He picked the Wolverines over Georgia, Miami, North Carolina, Penn State, Texas A&M, and numerous others.

Johnson is listed at 6'3" and 185 pounds. As a junior in 2024, he caught 63 passes for 1,053 yards and 17 touchdowns.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #17 WR, #112 overall
On3: 4-star, 91 grade, #15 WR, #137 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #55 WR
247 Sports: 4-star, 91 grade, #23 WR, #173 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Julian Walker, Wolverine

 

Left to right: Titan Davis, Julian Walker, Carter Meadows, Tariq Boney

Irmo (SC) Dutch Fork defensive end Julian Walker committed to Michigan on Tuesday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Auburn, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and South Carolina, among others.

Walker is listed at 6'6" and 252 pounds. As a junior in 2024, he made 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 81 grade, #23 DE, #235 overall
On3: 4-star, 91 grade, #20 edge, #136 overall
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #48 edge
247 Sports: 4-star, 91 grade, #16 edge, #155 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Andre Clarke, Wolverine

 

Richmond (VA) Hermitage DB Andre Clarke, Jr.

Richmond (VA) Hermitage defensive back Andre Clarke committed to Michigan on Monday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over Florida State, Kentucky, Miami, SMU, South Carolina, and Tennessee, among others.

Clarke is listed at 6'1" and 175 pounds.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #14 CB, #101 overall
On3: 4-star, 90 grade, #27 S
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #32 S
247 Sports: 4-star, 92 grade, #11 S, #136 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Carter Meadows, Wolverine

 

Washington (DC) Gonzaga defensive end Carter Meadows (image via Instagram)

Washington (DC) Gonzaga defensive end Carter Meadows committed to Michigan on Sunday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and South Carolina, among others.

Meadows is listed at 6'6" and 225 pounds. Playing in just six games as a junior in 2024, he made 33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #10 DE, #88 overall
On3: 5-star, 98 grade, #2 edge, #6 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #19 edge, #241 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #5 edge, #34 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Markel Dabney, Wolverine

 

Markel Dabney (image via Instagram)

Richmond (VA) Huguenot linebacker Markel Dabney flipped from SMU to Michigan on Saturday. He picked the Wolverines over other offers from Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech, among others.

Dabney is listed at 6'1" and 205 pounds.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 79 grade, #10 LB
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #54 LB
Rivals: 3-star ATH, 5.6 grade
247 Sports: 3-star, 86 grade, #108 ATH

Hit the jump for more.

Malakai Lee, Wolverine

 

Sherrone Moore and Malakai Lee (image via X)

Honolulu (HI) Kamehameha offensive tackle Malakai Lee committed to Michigan on Friday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and numerous others.

Lee is listed at 6'6", 318 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #31 OT, #263 overall
On3: 4-star, 92 grade, #9 OT, #85 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.9 grade, #12 OT, #128 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 91 grade, #10 OT, #137 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Zion Robinson, Wolverine

 

Mansfield (TX) Mansfield WR Zion Robinson (right) with Michigan wide receivers coach Ronald Bellamy (image via X)

Mansfield (TX) Mansfield wide receiver Zion Robinson committed to Michigan on Wednesday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M, among others.

Robinson is listed at 6'3" and 180 pounds. He caught 42 passes for 527 yards and 8 touchdowns as a junior in 2024.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #19 WR, #116 overall
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #88 WR
Rivals: 4-star, 5.9 grade, #18 WR, #130 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 93 grade, #6 WR, #71 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Site News: What's Going On?

 

If you're still visiting TTB, you're most likely a loyal reader. And I appreciate it.

For the past few weeks, I have been producing less on the blog than I probably ever have. And there's a reason for that. It's not just a coincidence.

I don't want to go into too many details, but unfortunately, I have a close family member who has an addiction problem that has created a great deal of personal and financial woes. I'm somebody who tries to learn about problems and fix things, which has led me to dive deep into researching, reading, watching videos, listening to podcasts, etc. about addiction.

I was already stretched pretty thin because I've had my primary job while always juggling coaching, side gigs, writing, etc. The blog has always been my third- or fourth-biggest source of income, so I have to treat it as the third- or fourth-biggest professional priority.

I'm still updating the recruiting boards and watching film, but to be honest, it's tough to focus on the more elaborate pieces that I used to enjoy putting together so much - the scouting reports, the film breakdowns, the hypothetical scenarios, etc.

Go Blue.

Visitors: June 13-15, 2025

 

Tony Alford and Savion Hiter (image via X)

2026

Ben Boulware - DT - Winston Salem (NC) Oak Grove: Boulware is a 6'5", 305 lb. tackle prospect with this Michigan visit as the only official visit on his schedule, but he also has offers from the likes of Georgia, South Carolina, USC, and lots of others. He's a 3-star, the #57 defensive lineman, and #501 overall.

Chace Calicut - S - Houston (TX) North Shore: Calicut is a 6'3", 190-pounder with Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas official visits, along with this official to Michigan. He's a 4-star, the #13 safety, and #162 overall. There are three crystal balls in place and they're all for Texas.

Andre Clarke - CB - Richmond (VA) Hermitage: Clarke is a 6'1", 175 lb. player who's listed as a cornerback in some places and as a safety in others. He's a 4-star, the #16 safety, and #177 overall. He has already taken official visits to SMU and Kentucky, and he has one coming up to Miami. This is an official visit.

Hit the jump for more.

Visitors: June 6-8, 2025

 

Mansfield (TX) Lake Ridge OT Felix Ojo (image via X)

2026

Nick Abrams II - LB - Owings Mills (MD) McDonough: Abrams is a 6'2", 215 lb. prospect with official visits set for Alabama and Oregon, and he has already visited Georgia. He's a 4-star, the #17 linebacker, and #251 overall. This is an official visit.

Khary Adams - CB - Towson (MD) Loyola Blakefield: Adams is a 6'2", 175-pounder with official visits to Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, and South Carolina, along with Michigan. He's a 4-star, the #9 cornerback, and #75 overall. This is an official visit.

McHale Blade - DE - Chicago (IL) Simeon: Blade is a 6'4", 245 lb. edge prospect with officials to Purdue and Wisconsin under his belt, and this is his last scheduled official visit for the time being. He's a 4-star, the #21 defensive lineman, and #169 overall. He attends the alma mater of Chris Bryant, Michigan's Director of High School Relations. This is an official visit.

Hit the jump for more.

2025 Season Countdown: #106 Avery Gach

 

Avery Gach

Name: Avery Gach
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 287 lbs.
High school: Franklin (MI) Groves
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #74
Last year: Gach was a senior in high school (LINK).
TTB Rating: 77

Gach committed to Michigan despite being a Michigan State legacy, and that not only takes some intelligence, but also some guts. I guess it should be pretty obvious that the Wolverines are the better choice given both options, but some people aren't able to grasp it. Michigan pursued Gach because he's tough and aggressive, envisioning a return to the physical offensive lines that led the way for Michigan's rushing offense from 2021-2023, and Gach has the mindset to be able to play for a line like that.

Gach is rated in the 247 Composite as an interior offensive lineman (4-star, #15 IOL, #279 overall) but some sites rank him as a tackle. I think his feet are too slow laterally to make tackle an option, so he's likely limited to guard or perhaps center. But he definitely has the tenacity to be a physical finisher on the interior as a run blocker. He did some good things in the spring game as an early enrollee, but he still needs to learn some technique, play lower, and add some weight to his 287 lb. frame. He is likely headed for a redshirt, but if one of the early season games turns into a blowout, I could see him getting a few snaps to prepare him for the future.

Prediction: Redshirt