There was a lot to learn from the spring game, including Jalen Hoffman emerging as a legitimate target, the defensive line displaying its depth, and starting punter appearing to be up for grabs:
If you were in Ann Arbor on Saturday, odds are you went to the Michigan Wolverines ’ annual spring game at the Big House. An estimated 40,000-45,000 were in attendance to see Bryce Underwood’s first spring game performance as a Wolverine, but there were plenty of other things to learn about the 2025 team as well.
Here are four things we learned about the Wolverines from the spring game.
Bryce Underwood shouldn’t have much trouble winning the job
Underwood made a positive impression in his long-awaited debut at Michigan Stadium, displaying impressive ability through the air with an 88-yard touchdown, and on the ground with a 17-yard first-down run in the second half. He made several mistakes as well, which is to be expected from a 17-year-old, but his potential is off the charts.
In addition to Underwood playing well in the spring game, one of the other reasons he is the frontrunner to start is because Jadyn Davis struggled mightily . He completed just 6-of-17 passes and threw two interceptions in the exhibition, and easily could have thrown another pick or two that went incomplete. With Mikey Keene out due to injury, this is Underwood’s battle to lost.
Jalen Hoffman could make an impact in new-look offense
Hoffman was arguably the most impressive player in the scrimmage, as he finished with a game-high 148 receiving yards on seven receptions, highlighted by the trick-play touchdown from Underwood on the final play of the game. Hoffman also had an outstanding catch on fourth-and-short and was the only player to record more than three receptions.
Hoffman has a solid rapport with Underwood, and that could translate to success in the fall as he attempts to carve out a consistent role. Hoffman was previously considered more of a fullback, but he will likely line up at tight end as well, which should give him a chance to contribute in Chip Lindsey’s offense.
The DL has no shortage of depth
If there’s one unit that has been consistently dominant in recent years, it would be the defensive line, and that appears to be the case again. Michigan has a ton of depth, including defensive tackles Rayshaun Benny, Damon Payne Jr., Trey Pierce and Tre’ Williams, and edge rushers TJ Guy, Derrick Moore, Cameron Brandt and Dom Nichols.
Benny opened the spring game with a sack and should be in line for a breakout season. Nichols flashed his potential by totaling two tackles, a couple quarterback pressures and one sack. The defensive line is as deep as it’s been in a while — there are at least four players at both positions that should receive significant playing time this season.
Hudson Hollenbeck has competition at punter following transfer addition
Just a day before the spring game took place, the Wolverines landed a commitment from Luke Bauer in the transfer portal. The former Missouri punter started each of the last two seasons for the Tigers, averaging 41.8 yards per punt on 49 attempts. Bauer has one year of eligibility remaining and will compete with Hudson Hollenbeck for the starting job.
Hollenbeck didn’t seem to do anything to hurt his chances of being the starter on Saturday, averaging 41.4 yards per punt on five attempts in the spring game, so he will get his fair shot at the job in fall camp. No matter who wins this job, it looks like Michigan has two quality options to lean on this year.