We have some questions at several positions heading into Michigan’s 2025 spring game.
In preparation for the Michigan Wolverines ’ spring game tomorrow afternoon, here are a few coaching questions that could get partially answered this weekend.
OC Chip Lindsey – What’s he going to change about the offense?
While we won’t get a full idea of the offensive game plan, this will be our first glimpse of the new offense. With at least two quarterbacks competing for starting snaps, how do Lindsey’s concepts look in a friendly game between teammates? Is he focused on running the ball up the middle? Does he use guys like Semaj Morgan in ways that might suit their skills? Do we see any signs that this offense has adapted from what it was last season? How does he work with the No. 1 recruit in the country in Bryce Underwood?
DC Wink Martindale – What’s the pressure look like from guys up front?
It took a while, but Martindale eventually figured out how to use his defensive linemen to stifle opposing offenses last season. He had to adjust to his players over the course of the year and remember they’re still just college athletes. On Saturday, look for any signs that he’s taken this information to heart for this next group. How are the players in the trenches communicating, what kind of pressure is getting to the quarterback, and how prepared do they look to adjust to each play call?
OL coach Grant Newsome – How does the OL respond to pressure?
Newsome has a lot to prove heading into his second season as the offensive line coach. The young assistant received a lot of recognition ahead of 2024, but the Wolverines didn’t have that same offensive line we’ve grown to love over the past few seasons. How will guys that struggled last season like Gio El-Hadi, Greg Crippen and Evan Link look? And what about the new guys with potential like Andrew Babalola and Brady Norton?
DB coach LaMar Morgan – How do the returning DBs look in coverage?
Morgan’s group improved significantly throughout the year. He had to adapt to major injuries to Rod Moore in the offseason and Will Johnson during the season. By the end of the year, it was one of the most improved position groups.
But this weekend during the spring game, we’ll be looking to see how those returners look in coverage. Will Zeke Berry stick at cornerback this year, or move back to nickel? How does Jyaire Hill look after an up-and-down sophomore season?
WR coach Ron Bellamy – Do the receivers look improved at all?
Michigan did some work in the portal at this position, but there are still a few returners looking to prove last year’s poor passing game was a one-off thing. On Saturday, we should have enough information about the wide receivers ahead of the 2025 season. I’d like to see fewer big plays than last season’s spring game and instead, a consistent ability of these receivers to run routes and find space.
DL coach Lou Esposito – How does the DL get to the QB?
There’s no question Michigan will see some changes on the defensive line, so how will Lou Esposito’s group look when he doesn’t have two of the best players in college football? While you don’t want too much dominance from any one group in a spring game, you definitely want to see some pressure getting to the backfield. Will the strength of the line come from the edge rushers or the interior?
What questions are you hoping to see somewhat answered after the spring game? Let us know in the comments!