Using Pro Football Focus, let’s take a closer look at Michigan’s offensive line as they prepare for the offseason and assess what fans can anticipate for the position group going forward:
As Michigan gears up for the 2025 season, the offensive line stands out as a key area of focus. With the departures of Myles Hinton and Josh Priebe, along with the loss of multiple players to the transfer portal, the Wolverines are looking to reload up front. Whether their combination of returning experience, impact transfers and emerging young talent will lead to success remains to be seen.
Using Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, let’s analyze the offensive line and see what fans can expect in the trenches for 2025 and beyond.
Giovanni El-Hadi
Leading Michigan’s offensive line in experience and consistency, El-Hadi enters 2025 as the Wolverines’ most seasoned lineman. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound right guard has played in 43 games, including 16 starts in 2024.
El-Hadi earned a 66.9 overall PFF grade last season, making him Michigan’s highest-graded returning lineman. His 75.2 pass-blocking grade also leads all returning Wolverines. As the offensive line integrates new pieces, El-Hadi’s experience and leadership will be crucial in building chemistry and stability up front.
Brady Norton
One of the most exciting additions is Norton. The former Cal Poly standout was one of the best at his level, finishing 2024 as the highest-graded offensive lineman in the FCS with a 73.3 overall PFF grade. His 90.1 pass-blocking grade was also elite, as he allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback hits in 444 pass-blocking snaps.
At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, his immediate role at Michigan is to be determined. While he played left tackle at Cal Poly, he could potentially move inside to guard. Regardless of where he lines up, Norton’s presence is a massive boost for an offensive line in transition.
Andrew Sprague
Sprague turned heads in Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama, making his first career start at right tackle. He logged 67 snaps and emerged as Michigan’s highest-graded lineman in that game with a 63.3 overall grade. His 63.2 run-blocking grade also helped fellow true freshman Jordan Marshall rush for 100 yards and earn the bowl game MVP.
With a full offseason of development, the 6-foot-8, 300-pounder could be a long-term solution for Michigan.
Greg Crippen
Crippen’s journey at Michigan has been one of patience, but he finally got his chance to shine in 2024. He started seven games and finished the season with a 61.1 overall PFF grade, highlighted by a 72.1 pass-blocking grade — one of the best marks on the team. However, his 56.4 run-blocking grade suggests there’s still work to be done in the ground game.
After playing 558 snaps in 2024, it’s a safe bet Crippen will be a key piece going forward.
Evan Link
Link endured a turbulent 2024 campaign, struggling early before showing flashes of improvement late in the season. He finished with a 50.5 overall PFF grade, one of the lowest on Michigan’s offense. His 38.0 pass-blocking grade was particularly concerning, as he struggled mightily to hold up in pass protection.
After being benched midseason, Link got a second chance due to an injury to Andrew Gentry. His performances against Ohio State and Alabama were significantly better, showing the potential to be a reliable contributor. The question heading into 2025 is whether he can build off that late-season momentum and solidify a spot on the line.
Lawrence Hattar
A Ferris State transfer, Hattar comes to Michigan with hopes of earning playing time on a line lacking rotational pieces. The former Livonia Churchill standout was one of the top in-state linemen in the 2021 class and now gets a chance to prove himself at a higher level.
There isn’t much PFF data for Hattar being at a low level of college football, but he was a first-team All-American in Division II this past season and has played in 27 career games, including 15 in 2024. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, he has the size and experience to compete for a spot in Michigan’s two-deep.
Who’s Next?
Depth could be a concern heading into 2025. Beyond guys expected to compete for starting roles, there’s a noticeable lack of experience among the remaining options.
Outside of Jake Guarnera (1) and Nathan Efobi (3), no other returning linemen got offensive snaps last season. However, the Wolverines have several young players eager like Ben Roebuck, Luke Hamilton and Blake Frazier with plenty of potential. Additionally, highly regarded freshmen Andrew Babalola and Ty Haywood ensure a bright future despite current uncertainties.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season presents a major transition for Michigan’s offensive line. While the losses of Hinton, Priebe and others are concerning, the combination of experienced veterans, impact transfers and young talent should provide excitement for fans.
The biggest questions moving forward will be who emerges in what role(s), how the interior holds up, and whether the young players can develop fast enough to provide meaningful depth. With another full offseason, Michigan’s offensive line has the pieces to be a strength if the right players step up.