There’s a lot of talk about Michigan Football’s quarterback battle ahead of fall camp, but some players are not getting nearly enough hype this offseason. Here are 5 players more deserving of attention:
The position battle to watch heading into the 2025 Michigan football season is almost certainly at quarterback. Bryce Underwood has a chance to start as a true freshman, but he’ll have to beat out veteran and transfer player Mikey Keene. It’s obvious why Bryce Underwood is getting so much hype in Ann Arbor. He’s the No. 1 overall recruit in head coach Sherrone Moore’s most recent recruiting class, and the Wolverines managed to flip him late in the cycle from LSU . There’s a lot to get excited about.
On the defensive side of the ball, TJ and Tevis Metcalf are getting a lot of attention. The brothers both transferred to Ann Arbor in the offseason and are expected to make some large contributions to the secondary this fall. In all the offseason discussion, though, here are five players not getting enough attention:
TE Hogan Hansen
If it’s not the quarterback battle getting a lot of offseason talk, it’s the running back situation. The Wolverines will have Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes getting reps and should make a solid combo for one of Michigan’s greatest offensive strengths — running the damn ball.
Still, the addition of Chip Lindsey to the offense and the focus on whether the wide receiver room can improve production means the tight end room isn’t getting talked about enough. Hansen appeared in 10 games as a true freshman, completing seven passes for 78 yards. There’s a reason the team thought he should be named the offense’s Rookie of the Year. He’s going to have an impact this fall, and he’s not getting talked about enough.
TE/FB Max Bredeson
When Max Bredeson decided to return to the team another year, it made headlines, but since then, the conversation around his return has fallen to the wayside. Still, there can not be enough said about what he’ll mean for the offense this fall. He’s the leader to watch on offense heading into the 2025 football season. With changes to the offensive staff and inconsistencies on the offensive line last season, Bredeson’s consistency and ability to block will help bolster Michigan’s run game.
Don’t expect Bredeson to lead the team in pass yards or get usage as an offensive weapon all of a sudden. Still, if you’re following his Pro Football Focus grading, you’d expect to see him grading out well and really helping the Wolverines move the ball on the ground. He’ll get the team hyped on the field and be the player the coaching staff can rely on in the huddle.
DB Mason Curtis
With questions surrounding the health of Rod Moore and the addition of the Metcalf brothers, some other young players are deserving of more attention, and that includes sophomore DB Mason Curtis. Curtis had to step up as a freshman while Michigan dealt with injuries in the secondary in 2024, and he already showed sparks against some of the country’s best passing attacks. He had eight tackles, including one tackle for loss, and an interception that turned some heads.
He even made a few big tackles when the Oregon Ducks came to town last year. He really caught some attention when the Wolverines dismantled Northwestern ahead of The Game last season, and that should pique interest this offseason. He may still be a younger player, but he’ll compete with some of the other defensive backs getting a lot of attention this offseason.
DB Brandyn Hillman
Brandyn Hillman is another defensive back who has gotten overshadowed because of players like Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill. Hill and Berry had a ton of attention heading into the 2024 season, but Brandyn Hillman is a player who had some hard hits and quick reactions during the season. It’s no wonder he started to get some more time on the field by the end of the year.
Against Fresno State to start the year, Hillman only had one assisted tackle. By the end of the year, he had two pass breakups, 21 tackles, and 1.5 tackles for loss. He really stepped up against Alabama at the end of the season, and if his passion for hitting people is any sign of his work ethic, he’ll be putting in the effort this offseason to get even better. He’ll be one to watch this fall without question.
DL Tre Williams
Questions about the state of Michigan’s defensive line without first-round NFL Draft picks Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are warranted. Still, they’ve overshadowed the addition of Clemson transfer Tre Williams. Williams played four seasons with the Tigers and brings College Football Playoff experience to the defensive front. Clemson spoiled the 12-team playoff for quite a few people last year, earning an automatic bid as the ACC Champion, and locking up two spots for the conference in its inaugural year.
Williams had some huge plays against Texas in the CFP, and the Longhorns’ offensive line was a force last season. Here’s another thing you’d like to see: Williams came away with two pass breakups in 2024, along with 14 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. He’s going to be one of those players with his eyes on the ball if he doesn’t make the play. Start watching more of the film on Williams; he’s worth the hype as Michigan looks to find its starters and rotational pieces on the defensive line.
Who are the underhyped players on your mind heading into the fall? Let us know in the comments below!