TJ Guy is one of the most important players to Michigan Football’s success in 2025. Here’s a look at how he has performed so far and expectations for his final season:
TJ Guy continues to climb the depth chart for the Michigan Wolverines . The graduate student edge rusher has been with the program his entire collegiate career (2021-present), a growing rarity in this NIL and transfer portal-ridden age. He has done it the right way, sticking with his team and developing as a player every single year.
Guy has grown under the tutelage of defensive ends like Aidan Hutchinson, Mike Morris, Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell and Josaiah Stewart, and will now need to spearhead the group with Derrick Moore. If 2024 was any indicator, he is more than ready.
The story so far
Guy came to Michigan in 2021 as a three-star recruit from Mansfield, Massachusetts. After appearing in just two games his freshman year, he became a rotational piece for the 2022 and 2023 Big Ten championship-winning teams. He never properly received his credit due to other stars grabbing most of the headlines. However, his ability to seamlessly integrate into the mix has been an incredible asset for the Wolverines’ coaching staff.
A true Michigan Man, Guy knows what it takes to win and should help instill that mindset into young guys such as redshirt freshmen Dominic Nichols, Devon Baxter, Lugard Edokpayi, Nate Marshall, and, to an extent, junior Cameron Brandt.
Guy finally became a consistent defensive contributor last year. He played in all 13 games, making six starts. His 419 snaps ranked third among defensive ends, behind only Moore (480) and Stewart (440). He recorded 32 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Outlook for 2025 season
Guy will need to keep up his statistical production over a higher snap count, but he has already proven he can handle a heavy workload and should excel with more opportunities. He also switched from No. 42 to No. 4, something induced by head coach Sherrone Moore.
“Coach Moore asked me if I wanted a single digit. And I was kind of reluctant at first,” Guy said . “Because of what I built in the 42, it was special to me. It’s still going to be special to me. But, it’s a great honor when your head coach asks you if you want a single digit. So I took that with pride and I’m going to ride it out for this last year.”
Part of that honor comes from Moore (No. 8) and Stewart (No. 0) also repping single-digit numbers for the Wolverines.
If Michigan is to return to its 2021-23 heights this season, it starts with veterans like Guy paving the way for these talented, yet unfamiliar with winning, underclassmen.