With spring ball officially in the books, let’s take a look at Michigan’s depth and if there are any areas of concern for the upcoming 2025 college football season:
Now that we’ve all had a chance to watch and digest the Michigan spring game, let’s evaluate what this team brings to the table when it comes to depth.
Quarterbacks
It seems like the Wolverines are still lacking some depth at this position with Mikey Keene out. While Sherrone Moore gave a specific timeline and positive outlook for Keene’s return, it’s tough to consider just two players — a true freshman and redshirt freshman — as enough depth, even if Bryce Underwood ends up being a star right away. Depth here is a concern as of now, but I’m hopeful they’ll prove me wrong.
Running backs
Depth out the wazoo — that’s how I’d describe this running back room. Despite losing Ben Hall to the transfer portal, the Wolverines are bringing back Jordan Marshall, picked up three guys in the portal, including Justice Haynes, and also have Micah Ka’apana and Bryson Kuzdzal, who both ran hard in the spring game. Things are looking good here.
Wide Receivers
After just one catch in the spring game, I’m sold on Donaven McCulley being the go-to guy this season. There are also some incoming freshmen in Andrew Marsh and Jamar Browder that could have an impact right away, and they seem to have more upside than some recent players. If Chip Lindsey can figure out how to best utilize guys like Fred Moore and Semaj Morgan, there might be more depth here than we think.
Tight End
Even with Colston Loveland gone, Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen should be reliable options this year. Don’t forget about Jalen Hoffman, who had a big impact in the spring game. On top of that, Max Bredeson is still around as the leader of the group. Michigan’s depth is pretty good here.
Offensive Line
Improved, but still worrisome. It’s nice to have a few returning starters, especially with Giovanni El-Hadi going back to left guard, and Andrew Sprague should make a big difference at right tackle. Evan Link did improve eventually at left tackle, but I’m still a little concerned after the spring game that the offensive line isn’t going to have enough cohesion in the fall. We shall see.
Linebacker
If you’re wondering why I wasn’t more optimistic about the offensive, here’s the answer — I saved all my positivity and blind optimism for the defense. I think the duo of Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham will be fantastic. Cole Sullivan played well in the spring game, and Michigan added Troy Bowles in the portal. A couple true freshmen in Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng also have potential.
Defensive back
Michigan seems loaded in the secondary. We should see the Wolverines break up and intercept plenty of passes this fall, and it’ll be even better if we see Rod Moore on the field again. In addition to guys like Zeke Berry, Brandyn Hillman and Jyaire Hill, the Metcalf brothers both had stellar spring games and should factor into the secondary this year. Plus, you’ve got some young freshmen and sophomores poised to see the field as well. Yeah, Michigan seems set here.
Defensive line/edge
This unit will definitely have enough depth to compete next season. Rayshaun Benny will lead the interior, with transfers Tre Williams and Damon Payne Jr. also playing a big role. Derrick Moore and TJ Guy will set the edge, and young guys like Dominic Nichols and Cam Brandt should also take a step forward.
What do you think about Michigan’s overall depth after the spring game? Let us know in the comments below!