According to PFF data compiled by 247Sports, Michigan Football ranks in the Top 10 nationally with the most returning starters in 2025:
After watching several of its biggest stars head to the NFL Draft , it would be fair to approach the Michigan Wolverines with a bit of skepticism heading into 2025.
However, PFF data compiled by 247Sports may give new reason for confidence. The Wolverines are tied for 10th nationally in returning starters among power conference teams — with 13 players who started at least six games in 2024 coming back this fall.
That’s a major jump from last offseason when Michigan returned just five combined starters on offense and defense — a number that placed near the bottom nationally. Now, with a solid core of veterans back, the Wolverines are in position to remain a threat in the Big Ten and beyond.
Eight of Michigan’s returning starters listed come on the offensive side of the ball. This includes quarterback Davis Warren, receivers Kendrick Bell and Peyton O’Leary, and tight ends Max Bredeson and Marlin Klein.
In the trenches, Michigan brings back three offensive linemen with six or more starts in 2024: center Greg Crippen, guard Giovanni El-Hadi, and tackle Evan Link. This is some much-needed continuity up front for a team breaking in a new quarterback and transitioning into a more pass-heavy scheme.
On defense, five starters are back for the Wolverines — linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann, edge rusher Derrick Moore, and cornerbacks Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill.
Among other Big Ten programs on the same list, Michigan’s 13 returning starters rank behind two teams:
• Illinois: 16 returning starters (Tied No. 1 nationally)
• Penn State: 14 returning starters (Tied No. 5)
The Wolverines still have questions to answer this offseason, but experience matters, and Sherrone Moore and company clearly have plenty of it to work with.
The spring transfer portal window could shake things up further, but as it stands, Michigan is well-positioned to do more reloading than rebuilding in 2025.