How Michigan has utilized its true freshmen over the last five seasons

Michigan might be relying on a handful of true freshmen during its 2025 football season, but this isn’t uncommon for the Wolverines. Here’s a look at how Michigan has utilized its true freshmen over the last five seasons:

With plenty of attrition on the defensive side of the ball and upgrades needed on offense, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Michigan Wolverines utilized a handful of true freshmen during the 2025 season.

Earlier this week, we took a look at five incoming freshmen who could be in line for big roles sooner rather than later. Today, we’ll take a look at how Michigan has chosen to utilize its true freshman over the last five seasons, going by position group.

As an aside, the Wolverines use plenty of true freshmen every year on special teams and in mop-up duty, so we’ll only be focussing on players who have played big roles on offense and defense, either for their entire freshman year or a series of games.

Quarterback

J.J. McCarthy (2021)

The quarterback position might be of particular interest this year with Bryce Underwood coming in. Similarly, J.J. McCarthy was a five-star recruit that fans wanted to see on the field right away. He was primarily used as a rushing threat, accumulating 124 yards and two touchdowns, but still threw the ball plenty, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Underwood could be utilized in a similar role to McCarthy, as McCarthy’s skillset was too impressive to keep on the bench.

Running Back

Blake Corum (2020), Donovan Edwards (2021),

Unsurprisingly, both members of Michigan’s “lightning and lightning” duo got on the field as true freshmen. Before he was a Michigan legend, Blake Corum played in all six of Michigan’s games in 2020, logging 26 carries and five receptions as part of a group that featured Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet and Chris Evans.

It was a similar story for Donovan Edwards. He was behind Corum and Haskins on the depth chart, but immediately showed some chops as a receiver in 2021, catching 20 passes for 265 yards as a freshman.

Michigan is in good hands at running back with Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes for 2025, but Jasper Parker and Donovan Johnson will compete for playing time as true freshmen as well.

Wide Receiver

Roman Wilson (2020), Andrel Anthony (2021), Semaj Morgan (2023)

Where were you for the Andrel Anthony game against Michigan State in 2021? The East Lansing native broke out against Michigan State with six receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn’t utilized as much in other games, but showed flashes and offered hope for the future.

Roman Wilson appeared in all six of Michigan’s games in 2020, but caught only nine passes. Meanwhile, Semaj Morgan was featured as a gadget player and kick returner in 2023. As a freshman, he caught 22 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2025, Michigan will welcome in Andrew Marsh, Jacob Washington and Jamar Browder at the wide receiver position.

Tight End

Colston Loveland (2022), Hogan Hansen (2024)

Colston Loveland was the No. 2 tight end on Michigan’s depth chart as a freshman thanks to an Erick All injury. Although he wasn’t heavily featured, it was easy to see why he’d eventually become one of the best tight ends in program history. In 2022, he hauled in 16 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, but was most utilized at the end of the year.

This season, Hogan Hansen got some attention behind Loveland and Marlin Klein, catching seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.

In 2025, Michigan will bring in Eli Owens at tight end, but he might be more suited for the H-back spot.

Offensive Line

Zak Zinter (2020)

The only true freshman offensive lineman that Michigan heavily utilized over the last five seasons was Zak Zinter, as he started four out of six games at right guard and also played on special teams. It’s rare when a freshman makes an impact as a true freshman, but Zinter was well worth getting early playing time.

Andrew Babalola, Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn will be Michigan’s true freshmen up front in 2025.

Defensive Line

Mason Graham (2022)

Mason Graham was so impressive early on that he was able to crack a defensive tackle rotation that featured Kris Jenkins and Mazi Smith. As a freshman, he played in 14 games and started two, making 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was named a freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus and was Michigan’s co-defensive freshman of the year in 2022.

Nathaniel Marshall, Bobby Kanka, Benny Patterson and Travis Moten will try to crack the rotation as freshmen in 2025.

Linebacker

Junior Colson (2021)

Michigan has been able to rely on plenty of upperclassmen in recent years, but Junior Colson made an impact as a freshman in 2021 by starting seven games and appearing in 14. That year, he shared Michigan’s defensive freshman of the year honors and compiled 61 tackles, which was fourth on the team. He also broke up three passes and recovered a fumble.

Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor will look to have a similar impact in 2025.

Cornerback

Will Johnson (2022), Jo’Ziah Edmond (2024)

Similar to Loveland in 2022, Will Johnson made his biggest impact near the end of his freshman year. He appeared in 14 games, starting Michigan’s final five games. By the time he was being regularly featured in the lineup, he was being considered one of the best corners in the nation and was named a freshman All-American by 247Sports, The Athletic and Pro Football Focus.

While there wasn’t as much fanfare in 2024 with Jo’Ziah Edmond, he appeared in six games and figures to take on a bigger role in 2025. He’ll be joined by incoming freshmen Shamari Earls and Jayden Sanders.

Safety

Makari Paige (2020), Rod Moore (2021), Mason Curtis (2024)

Michigan has made a habit of getting its safeties on the field early in recent years. Makari Paige appeared in all six of Michigan’s games in 2020, playing safety and special teams. Meanwhile, Rod Moore emerged down the stretch for the Wolverines in 2021, starting four games while also earning defensive and special teams rookie of the year honors for Michigan.

Mason Curtis was arguably Michigan’s best freshman in 2024 — even though he only appeared in eight games — and will compete for a starting spot in 2025. Michigan is welcoming in a trio of true freshman safeties in 2025 with Elijah Dotson, Jordan Young and Kainoa Winston.