Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann remains one of the most underrated defensive players in the Big Ten, and he should be in store for an explosive senior season:
Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann remains one of the most underrated defensive players in the Big Ten and should be in store for a great season to end his college career. His combination of experience, physicality and speed could make him a potential Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year candidate as he continues to lead the Wolverines’ defense in 2025.
During his second season at Michigan in 2024, Hausmann compiled a career-best and team-high 89 tackles to go with seven tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception. The former Nebraska Cornhusker was by far the most productive tackler on the Wolverines’ defense a year ago, finishing with 23 more tackles than the next closest player on the team.
If he can continue his ascension as a top tier linebacker in the Big Ten this season, Hausmann could start to receive the national recognition that many people around the program believe he deserves. His name doesn’t always come up when discussing the nation’s preeminent linebackers, but there’s no question he should be included in that conversation.
ERNEST HAUSMANN INT @UMichFootball takes over on offense ️#B1GFootball on NBC pic.twitter.com/0iZHEl6gao
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 6, 2024
Michigan linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary discussed how Hausmann has grown as a leader and as a player.
”Ernest has really taken the reins as the leader on defense and I don’t think anyone would disagree with me saying it,” Jean-Mary told the media this spring. “The position he plays, it lends itself to being the leader on defense when you’re the middle linebacker, and he’s embraced it. He’s really dove into it now and is the clear-cut guy that everybody looks to to lead the program.”
After flashing impressive potential with 54 tackles and one sack in his freshman season at Nebraska in 2022, Hausmann transferred to Michigan as a sophomore and has improved every season. Now, he appears to be ready to take the next step as a leader and he has high expectations for what the Wolverines can accomplish this year.
“I feel very good about where the team’s at. It was a very physical spring ball, and we were really focused on getting back to basics,” Hausmann said after this year’s spring game. “I think back to 2023, and having that depth to make crucial plays and take care of bodies for a long season. When you have depth, you can compete at a high level, which we do right now.”
Hausmann made it clear he has lofty expectations for the team heading into 2025, and he will definitely be a big part of the defensive game plan. In order for Michigan to reach its full potential and compete for a championship, Hausmann must be one of the Big Ten’s best defensive players, and it certainly seems like he’s prepared to do just that.