Cam Brandt showed a lot of potential and took a step forward for the Wolverines as a sophomore last year. Now, he is expected to be a key member of the defense this season:
If there’s one thing you can count on this football season, it’s the Michigan Wolverines having one of the best defenses in the sport. Despite an 8-5 record, they finished with one of the best defenses last year, and the unit has reloaded.
With Michigan’s defensive line routinely counting on the two-deep to keep rotations fresh, junior edge rusher Cam Brandt is a player that should step into a bigger role in 2025.
The story so far
Brandt came to Michigan all the way from sunny California. He attended Sierra Canyona High School in Chatsworth and was a four-star prospect in the 2023 class. He decided to play for the Wolverines and won a national championship during his first season.
The Michigan defensive line was absolutely stacked with NFL talent in 2023, but Brandt was still able to pick up some playing time at the end of blowout victories. He appeared in six games along the defensive line and racked up four total tackles. Brandt also appeared in 14 out of 15 contests on special teams.
In 2024, Brandt had a much bigger role defensively. He played in all 13 games and finished the year with 13 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble. Brandt even earned Defensive Player of the Week after finishing with three tackles and one sack against Michigan State.
In 300 total snaps, Brandt ended the season with a 70.4 overall defensive grade and a 71.7 pass rush grade by Pro Football Focus.
Outlook for 2025
Brandt had a very promising 2024 season and will look to be even better this fall. Michigan lost key players along the defensive line this offseason, and Brandt is expected to be one of the players who helps pick up the slack.
We got a sneak peek at what the Michigan defense will look like next season in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Brandt had a big game in that one, finishing with three tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.
The Michigan defensive line should be scary good in 2025, and guys like Brandt are why.