3 Michigan Football players who could exceed expectations in 2025

The Wolverines are losing some of their best defenders in recent memory to the NFL Draft. With so much production to replace, who might emerge as a pleasant surprise for Michigan in 2025?

The Michigan Wolverines have new players emerge and make an impact every season. Whether it’s Kalel Mullings rushing for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024 or Josaiah Stewart finishing the season as one of the best edge rushers in college football, the Wolverines always seem to have players ready to take the next step forward.

With several key departures to account for, there will be plenty of opportunities for those players to emerge in 2025. Among them are a few under-the-radar defensive players that have the potential to surprise fans and play significant roles this fall.

Ike Iwunnah

If there’s one thing Michigan has consistently done well over the past few seasons, it’s developing large interior defensive linemen. Next in line could be Iwunnah.

Iwunnah arrived in Ann Arbor in 2021, but didn’t see game action until last season when he played in nine games and logged 165 snaps. With Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant headed for the NFL, there’s a massive opportunity awaiting Iwunnah in 2025.

At 6-foot-3, 313 pounds, Iwunnah has the size to clog the middle, but what stands out about his game is his ability to defend the run. He showcased that in limited snaps last year and should be even better with more playing time.

Michigan won’t be lacking depth at defensive tackle — Rayshaun Benny, Trey Pierce, and transfers Damon Payne and Tre Williams will all play significant roles as well. But don’t be surprised if Iwunnah, at the very least, maintains his status as a key rotational piece.

Brandyn Hillman

The Wolverines are losing a lot of experience in the secondary, but Hillman has the ability to be a difference-maker.

As a second-year player in 2024, Hillman frequently found ways to impact the game. He saw snaps as Michigan’s fourth safety for much of the season and made his mark in games like the ReliaQuest Bowl, where he notched four tackles and a sack.

With both Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson gone — and Rod Moore’s health uncertain for the start of the season — Hillman will have every opportunity to grab starting reps at safety. Given his athleticism, playmaking ability and growing understanding of the defense, he has the tools to become a key piece in Michigan’s secondary.

Cam Brandt

Few young players flashed more promise in 2024 than Brandt. As a rotational edge rusher, Brandt earned 300 snaps and recorded 14 pressures, three sacks and a forced fumble.

His 6-foot-4, 265-pound frame, combined with his natural bend and burst, make him a potentially dangerous player. Michigan used him primarily as its fourth edge rusher last season, but fans should expect him to rise to the No. 3 spot in 2025 with Stewart now off to the NFL.

Brandt’s talent was evident all year, but a sack on Jalen Milroe in the ReliaQuest Bowl, coupled with a fumble recovery, really brought things home. With another offseason of development, it’s easy to see him becoming a surprise game-wrecker for the Wolverines.

Michigan’s pass rush has been a major strength in recent years, and while the Wolverines will need to replace Stewart’s production, Brandt gives them a promising young playmaker with a high ceiling.