Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart has been promoted to team captain in the midst of a spectacular senior season. Stewart has become a leader for the Wolverines on and off the field, and was officially promoted to captain during the bye week:
During the latest episode of the Inside Michigan Football radio show, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore revealed that edge rusher Josaiah Stewart has been elevated to team captain. Stewart has become a leader on and off the field, and is in the midst of a spectacular senior season in his second year with the program after transferring over from Coastal Carolina in the 2023 offseason.
“We added Josaiah Stewart as a captain,” Moore said. “A guy that we think has really done everything the right way. He plays as good as anybody in the country but does it all with extreme energy. He’s just such a leader and such a voice. He was pretty surprised, kind of shocked, but super happy and excited for the opportunity to be a voice on the team.”
Previously serving as an alternate captain, Stewart’s promotion during the bye week goes to show his impressive leadership abilities. His performance has been nothing short of dominant, racking up a team-high and conference-leading five sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
His ability to disrupt opposing offenses on a consistent basis has bolstered Michigan’s defense and instilled a sense of confidence in his teammates on both sides of the ball. Stewart started his career with two years at Coastal Carolina before joining the Wolverines in 2023 and eventually developing into one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten.
Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito broke down Stewart’s journey to being a captain.
“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Esposito said. “Seeing a guy that transferred in become captain at the University of Michigan is special. In order to do that you have to be a special person, and he’s the spark plug in the engine. He gets us going and does an unbelievable job motivating guys. He’s like a coach out there.”
Stewart was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Week following an exceptional showing that included four tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks in a win over the USC Trojans last month. He has also been dubbed a midseason All-American by the Reese’s Senior Bowl .
As he continues to make an impact, Stewart’s elevation to captaincy serves as a testament to the trust his coaches and teammates have in him. Joining fellow captains Max Bredeson, Donovan Edwards, Rod Moore and Makari Paige, Stewart brings a wealth of experience and hard work that sets an example for the whole team.