Michigan scoured the transfer portal to earn some important commitments this offseason. Now, they are in position battles this spring. Here are the three position groups that will be important to watch this spring
Anticipation is building for the 2025 Michigan Wolverines football season, as they take the field for the first time for the public’s viewing on April 19 during the annual spring game. Exciting additions in the transfer portal and a highly regarded recruiting class has added much needed depth across the entire team.
At the same time, the team has several question marks and position battles that are underway this spring. Here’s are the three position battles we will be watching this spring.
WR: Who stands out?
If it wasn’t for Mikey Keene’s health, the quarterback battle with Bryce Underwood would definitely be on this list. Instead, focus has to be shifted to who the quarterbacks are creating the best connection with.
From a group that was the least productive on the team in 2025 to a reshaped room with multiple new players, there are much higher expectations for the wide receivers then what was showcased last season. With the new faces came an emphasis on adding larger receivers.
“Obviously growing in size. That was an emphasis for me, I wanted big receivers,” Moore said this spring. “With (Jamar Browder) and Donovan McCauley, bringing in Jacob Washington. Even Andrew Marsh, he’s not a small guy, he’s a long limb guy. I felt like we’re bringing really good size in that group to help us be more explosive in the passing game, and that’s what I wanted.”
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said they are searching for playmakers who are going to make explosive plays, something that clearly lacked from a team that averaged 130.8 passing yards per game in 2024.
It would be a surprise if anyone other than Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley was the starting X receiver. He had 48 receptions for 664 yards and six touchdowns in 2023 — all Michigan receivers combined for 680 yards in 2024.
Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore both had disappointing sophomore seasons, but there is still plenty of hope for upside in 2025.
I would feel good about the idea of Moore starting on the opposite side of McCulley and Morgan starting in the slot. Moore said this spring they need to get the ball in Morgan’s hands more, and that should indicate the kind of role he is expected to have in 2025.
DL: Who starts opposite of Rayshaun Benny?
The excitement from coaches and fans about Rayshaun Benny is apparent, with many expecting him to take a monumental leap in 2025 with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant off to the NFL.
The Wolverines went to the portal to add reinforcements, earning two veterans in Tre Williams and Damon Payne Jr. Both are already making an impact according to Moore : “Tre and Damon have been awesome, very seamless transitions for both of them.” Defensive line coach Lou Esposito shared similar sentiments about his new weapons at the end of March, “Both those guys were home runs for us.”
Those two come to a room loaded with talent, helping Wink Martindale keep his guys fresh as the team sends in waves on the defensive line. Trey Pierce, Enow Etta and Ike Iwunnah will all see playing time this season and round out a room with six interior defensive linemen over 300 pounds.
RB: Justice Haynes or Jordan Marshall?
“Law and Order” is maybe the best nickname for a running back duo in college football. If they are as explosive as fans hope, it’s going to come up on every broadcast akin to the “Sonic and Knuckles” tag the Detroit Lions have for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The question is…who will get more carries?
The Wolverines have had a split backfield for a long time, but it has almost never been a completely balanced system. If the game is on the line, one yard from the end zone, who is getting the rock?
Marshall made a name for himself in the ReliaQuest Bowl with 100 yards against Alabama. He was fantastic and showed much promise for being one of the top ball carriers in the 2024 class.
According to Moore, Marshall has not missed a beat this spring. He did add the caveat that the team had not started tackling yet, but that he’s been impressed with Marshall.
At the same time, Moore also raved about Haynes, saying he looked “like a statue.”
“On the field, he has that mentality about him,” Moore said of Haynes. “You can see his experience and him playing in big games before and understanding the game and understanding the moment and understanding how to prepare. So he brings that to that room and to the offense and to the team, so it’s been great to have him around.”
The competition between Marshall and Haynes will be a lot of fun to see play out. There will likely be games where one has more overall touches than the other and vice versa. Early comments and inclinations lead to me believing Haynes will get the first snaps in 2025, but it’s a real toss up.