The defense looks elite, but the offense is set to begin the season as more of a mystery. Today, we assign a preseason grade breakdown for every Michigan Football position group heading into the 2025 season:
Expectations are always high in Ann Arbor, but Michigan has more questions than usual — especially on offense — heading into 2025. With a new system and new quarterback, as well as some departures to the NFL, there’s plenty of uncertainty as to how each position group will perform when the season kicks off next month.
With the season fast approaching, let’s hand out some preseason grades for each position group and see where things stand right now.
Quarterbacks: C+
By no means are we doubting the potential of Bryce Underwood, but until we see it on the field, it’s hard to grade this room any higher for the time being. Underwood has all the tools and intangibles, but he’s still a true freshman who has yet to start a game in college.
It’s expected that Mikey Keene will also be available, and the Wolverines also have Jake Garcia and Jadyn Davis in the fold, but none of these guys have taken a meaningful snap in the maize and blue yet. This group could easily surpass expectations early, but right now, the grade reflects what we know, not just what we hope.
Running Backs: A
If there’s one offensive group fans can feel completely confident in, it’s the running backs. Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall form one of the most dynamic backfields in the country, and both should be heavily featured. Together, they’ll keep the offense moving and take pressure off the quarterbacks while they build necessary experience in the system.
Wide Receivers: C-
This is where things start to feel shaky offensively. Michigan’s receiver room lacks proven production, and there isn’t a clear WR1 heading into fall camp (that we’ve yet to see with our own eyes).
A few players have drawn the standard offseason hype — Donaven McCulley being one of them — but overall, this group has some proving to do. The hope is Chip Lindsey’s new offense will drastically impact receiving production, but until that happens, this unit feels like one of the least exciting.
Offensive Line: C+
After back-to-back Joe Moore Awards in 2021 and 2022, Michigan’s offensive line is still clawing its way back to greatness. The Wolverines return three starters in Giovanni El-Hadi, Greg Crippen and Evan Link, and the coaching staff remains confident in the unit’s upside, but concerns still linger after last season’s struggles. This grade could be much higher by season’s end, but for now, it’s still a work in progress.
Tight Ends: C+
Colston Loveland is one of those guys you never want to have to replace. Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen will be faced with the tall task of shouldering that burden this season, and while both are talented, they’re largely untested. Position coach Steve Casula has shown confidence in the group’s depth, but until we see production post-Loveland, this is another wait and see. Capable, but unproven.
Defensive Line: A
Michigan’s defensive line is loaded, and that’s with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant now in the NFL. Rayshaun Benny is back to anchor the interior, while transfer additions like Tré Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr. (Alabama) bring elite pedigree to the rotation. Young linemen like Trey Pierce and Enow Etta are also stepping up, giving the Wolverines one of the deepest, most talented defensive lines in the country.
Linebackers: A+
This might be the best linebacker room in college football. Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are elite talents who can fly to the football, stuff the run and drop into coverage. Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder are also two great rotational players — and Troy Bowles transfers in from Georgia — giving Michigan a plethora of options.
Defensive Backs: B-
The secondary is solid, but probably not as dominant as other areas of the defense. The safety spot should be really good with guys like Brandyn Hillman and Mason Curtis, but the cornerback position saw some inconsistencies throughout 2024 and the group will need to prove it can hold up against elite passing attacks. A B- feels fair for now.
Special Teams: C
Dominic Zvada is a clearly one of the great Michigan kickers of our time, but there’s no standout punter heading into the year. Special teams as a whole feels like a middle-of-the-road unit until we’re sure the Michigan Wolverines can orchestrate a proper punt return. Field position, tackling and return efficiency will be areas to gauge improvement on from last season come Aug. 30.