As Michigan looks to bounce back next season, there is a ton of potential for returning players to make major contributions. Here’s a look at how some of those players performed in 2024:
Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines will look to rebound this fall from an 8-5 season in 2024. Thankfully, several returning players are poised to make a major impact and hope to get Michigan back to the College Football Playoff.
Whether it was flashes of potential or dominance, here’s a look at how key contributors for next season performed in 2024.
TJ Guy
Edge rusher TJ Guy made a major impact in Michigan’s defense in 2024, and his decision to return for his fifth year was huge for the Wolverines.
In 2024, Guy took a major leap both in terms of his role and his production. After serving as a rotational piece in 2022 and 2023, he embraced the expanded opportunities 2024 brought him. He earned his first start in Michigan’s win over Minnesota, and started again just one week later.
Throughout Guy’s time at Michigan, he’s made 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The vast majority of those numbers happened in 2024, as he had 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks this past season.
Next season, Guy will likely start a lot more than two games, and he once again will likely be a major contributor.
Marlin Klein
Playing behind Colston Loveland certainly impacted tight end Marlin Klein’s usage, and subsequently his 2024 campaign.
In comparison to Loveland’s 56 receptions, Klein had just 13. Though Klein took a backseat to Loveland — who is slated to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — he did show flashes throughout the season. Against Arkansas State, Klein had his best performance of the season with three receptions for 43 yards. He also saw an increased role in multiple games, including Michigan’s victory over Ohio State with Loveland out with an injury.
In 2025, Klein won’t be in Loveland’s shadow and will have a huge opportunity as the Wolverines aim to improve their passing game.
Jaishawn Barham
After spending two seasons at Maryland, linebacker Jaishawn Barham transferred to Michigan ahead of the 2024 season. Slotting into a rebuilt defense, Barham had a major impact and started every game.
While Barham had a slow start, he found his footing and finished the season with 65 tackles — the second-most on the team — 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. His ability to rush the was a strength for Barham, accumulating five quarterback pressures.
Barham was an important piece in Michigan’s defense this year and may be even more valuable in 2025 as he potentially switches to more of an edge rusher role.
Zeke Berry
Defensive back Zeke Berry had quite the 2024 season, taking a major leap after playing a much more limited role in his first two seasons. When the Wolverines needed help filling voids from players plagued by injury, Berry took on the challenge.
Berry won the battle to fill Michigan’s void at nickel with Mike Sainristil’s departure to the NFL. Later in the season, Berry moved to the outside with Will Johnson’s injury. Berry’s versatility was on full display, as he did well in each role the Wolverines put him in.
Given that versatility, Berry will be a big asset for Michigan regardless of what position he plays.