Spring ball is full of hype, hope, and bold predictions, but not all of it is built to last. We cut through the noise to find out which Michigan Football position groups we’re buying, renting and selling for now:
With spring ball wrapped up, it’s time to play “Buy, Sell, or Rent” based on what we’ve seen so far from the 2025 Michigan Wolverines . Let’s take stock of each position group and if we’re currently buying, renting and selling based on what we’ve seen and heard thus far.
Quarterback: Rent
We got our first real look at Bryce Underwood and Jadyn Davis in the spring game, but it’s too early to go all in on either guy. We also didn’t get to see Mikey Keene this spring, but he should be good to go during fall camp. Underwood’s upside is undeniable, but questions remain about how soon he’ll be ready — especially if Keene’s absence forces him into action before he’s fully prepared.
Until someone truly takes command, this is a “rent” situation.
Running Back: Buy
If there’s one group to back confidently, it’s the backfield. Justice Haynes looked electric in the spring game, and Jordan Marshall has been terrific during his limited appearances. This duo could form one of the most dangerous 1-2 punches in the Big Ten and maybe the nation. Buy this stock now before it skyrockets!
Wide Receiver: Rent
There’s potential here, but there are still too many question marks to fully commit. Semaj Morgan has the potential to be dynamic when mixed in with other viable receiving options, and there’s intrigue with Fredrick Moore and Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley. However, no proven WR1 has emerged, and this room has lacked consistency.
With better quarterback play, this stock could rise. For now, we’re renting until the breakout actually happens.
Tight End: Rent
Colston Loveland’s departure to the NFL leaves a sizable void. Max Bredeson is a reliable H-back, and Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen offer size and upside. But nobody in this group has proven they can carry the pass-catching load like Loveland did. It’s not a weakness, but it’s not quite a strength either. We’ll keep this on a short-term lease for now.
Offensive Line: Buy
While 2024 saw some regression, there’s reason for optimism. Gio El-Hadi and Greg Crippen anchor the interior with solid experience, while Evan Link and Andrew Sprague bring high upside on the outside. Throw in Brady Norton and talented freshmen like Andrew Babalola, and this group is built to improve. The cohesion might take time, but we’re feeling good about this group as a long-term buy.
Defensive Line: Buy
Even with the loss of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, the defensive line remains a strength. Rayshaun Benny was sneakily one of the defense’s best last season and is poised to lead the unit. Transfers Damon Payne Jr. and Tre Williams round out a solid interior rotation, while returning linemen like Ike Iwunnah, Enow Etta and Trey Pierce provide quality depth. Buy now and watch as this group anchors the defense again.
Edge: Buy
Derrick Moore and TJ Guy played their best ball down the stretch last season and return as experienced vets of what should be a position of strength. With Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols also in the mix, the Wolverines have a deep rotation that can generate consistent pressure off the edge. This is one of the safest long-term buys on the roster.
Linebacker: Buy
Returning starters Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham form a rock-solid foundation. The duo led the team in tackles in 2024 and bring a physical, sideline-to-sideline presence that has been a staple for the defense in recent years.
Behind them, the depth chart is far from thin. Cole Sullivan, one of the team’s most-promising young players, is one of several capable rotational pieces along with Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood. This group won’t get the national spotlight, but it has all the tools to quietly dominate.
Cornerback: Sell
Here’s the sore spot. Zeke Berry has shown flashes, and freshman Shamari Earls is exciting, but Jyaire Hill struggled in 2024 and was benched late in the season in favor of Aamir Hall. Transfers Caleb Anderson, and TJ and Tevis Metcalf could be good, but we haven’t heard and seen enough out of them yet. Until someone proves they can consistently lock down the boundary for the Wolverines, this is a hard sell.
Safety: Buy
Rod Moore’s return changes everything for the safety position’s outlook. He’s a playmaker and vocal leader that knows Michigan’s defense inside and out. Brandyn Hillman and Mason Curtis are also proven playmakers that can be dispatched in a variety of ways. This is the unit you can trust to stabilize the secondary.
Special Teams: Rent
Dominic Zvada is money. He won games last year and should remain one of the best in the country. But with a new punter and long snapper, there’s overall uncertainty on special teams. Return duties also remain unsettled. While Zvada offers stability, the rest of this group is a bit murky. Hold off on buying in too deep for now.