JUST IN: Linebacker Ernest Hausmann is officially returning to Michigan for the 2025 season, he told reporters in Tampa ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl:
Speaking with reporters in Tampa ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl, linebacker Ernest Hausmann announced he is forgoing the 2025 NFL Draft and will return to Michigan for his senior season.
Michigan LB Ernest Hausmann confirmed he will return to the Wolverines in 2025. pic.twitter.com/qunmx9NRqh
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) December 28, 2024
Hailing from Columbus, Nebraska, Hausmann committed to the Cornhuskers and played in every game as a true freshman in 2022, starting seven of them and totaling 54 tackles. Following that season, Hausmann hit the transfer portal and took his talents to Michigan.
Through an impressive two seasons with the Wolverines, Hausmann has demonstrated just how important of a transfer addition he was. In 2023, he was buried on the depth chart behind standout linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, both of whom left for the NFL after the season. Even in Colson and Barrett’s shadows, he had the third-most tackles.
Going into the 2024 season, Hausmann had an opportunity to be a pillar of Michigan’s defense with Colson and Barrett’s departure, and he took it. He truly unleashed his talents, leading the Wolverines with 82 tackles — 17 more than the second-most — and tied for the second-most tackles for loss with seven. He also had two sacks and an interception.
Getting Hausmann back is huge for the Wolverines’ 2025 season. He will be one of the few returning starters on defense, alongside guys like Zeke Berry, Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, and will easily be one of Michigan’s top players on that side of the ball heading into the offseason.