Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, several Michigan football players elected to return for 2025. These players in particular will be vital for the Wolverines in 2025:
Several Michigan players had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft , but instead chose to return for the 2025 season. Retaining several key contributors is a major win for Michigan — here are some of the most important returners for 2025.
Max Bredeson
On Wednesday, news broke that tight end/fullback Max Bredeson will return to Michigan for 2025. Looking at Bredeson’s stats alone — three catches for 24 yards — don’t suggest the value of his decision to return, it’s all the intangibles he brings that make him a standout and significant player.
After joining Michigan as a walk-on in 2021, Bredeson rose all the way up to team captain in 2024. Bredeson’s leadership sets him apart, which is larely why his return is so impactful.
In addition to his leadership, Bredeson has been vital for Michigan’s dominance on the ground. As a lead blocker, he has been key to clearing a path for the Wolverines’ run game the last few years.
A true competitor, Bredeson’s importance for the Wolverines can’t be overstated. He is ready to run it back — as he put it on his Instagram announcement: “Team 146 let’s do it. Go blue.”
Ernest Hausmann
Linebacker Ernest Hausmann had a standout season in 2024 and was one of the most impressive players on defense. Given that strong campaign, many speculated he would enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Instead, Hausmann announced on Dec. 28 he is returning for the 2025 season. The Nebraska transfer now has two seasons at Michigan under his belt and provides considerable contributions and experience to the team. Even in his first season at Michigan, buried in the depth chart behind standout linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, he flashed his capabilities and potential.
This past season, out of the shadows, Hausmann shined. He led the Wolverines in tackles with 82, along with two sacks and one interception, earning him an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
As impressive as he was this season, Hausmann can raise the bar even higher in 2025. The leadership he provides for this defense is paramount, and his dominance stopping the run and the pass could blossom even further.
Dominic Zvada
Kicker Dominic Zvada’s return was undoubtedly one of the most crucial players for Michigan in 2024, so his decision to return for 2025 is monumental. In a season where the Wolverines’ offense was extremely volatile and shaky, Zvada offered reliability, consistently coming through when the team needed him most. Making 17-of-18 field goals, as well as 25-of-26 extra points, the Wolverines leaned on Zvada time and time again.
With Michigan’s offense consistently struggling to find the end zone, it turned to Zvada game after game. In 2023, the Wolverines tallied 69 touchdowns compared to 18 field goals. But in 2024, Michigan scored just 32 touchdowns while kicking 21 field goals. With the hope of an improved offense in 2025, the Wolverines hopefully won’t need to rely so incredibly heavily on Zvada to get points on the board.
Derrick Moore
Michigan’s 2025 defensive line will look drastically different from this year’s iteration. So edge rusher Derrick Moore — the singular returning starter — will play a critical role in the trenches.
Moore credited his decision to return on wanting to get Michigan back to where it was before this past season. If that materializes, he will likely be a major factor in Michigan’s resurgence.
He had 19 tackles and 30 pressures this season, but was often overshadowed by Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart. Moore has also been plagued by injuries, subduing his impact on the field.
But in his first opportunity without Michigan’s three top defensive linemen, Moore stepped up. With two sacks and a recovered fumble in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Moore was central to the Wolverines’ upset over Alabama. His performance also offered an idea of what Moore can bring in a larger role.
Honorable Mention: Rayshaun Benny
Although defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny hasn’t publicized his decision of whether he will return for his fifth season as of this writing, rumblings from the program confidently suggest he will be with the Wolverines in 2025. And if he does return, his name would be at the very top of this list.
Benny had just 28 tackles in a reserve role in 2024. If he returned, he’d be able to step into a bigger role with a bigger spotlight, as well as provide veteran leadership for the Wolverines.