It remains to be seen if Michigan can return to national prominence, but the program’s talent pipeline is still strong and an influx of promising young players set to come back could help the Wolverines bounce back sooner rather than later:
The outlook of the Michigan Wolverines ’ program, fresh off a historic three-year stretch that culminated in a perfect 15-0 season and the first national championship since 1997, remains unclear as a disappointing 2024 campaign nears an end.
Despite such a frustrating season that has just two games remaining in the regular season, there have been several underclassmen that displayed high potential and should be considered building blocks for the program heading into 2025.
There are plenty of talented freshmen on the roster, including quarterback Jadyn Davis and running back Jordan Marshall , plus tight end duo Hogan Hansen and Brady Prieskorn, which should provide a foundation for optimism in the coming years.
Marshall has flashed dynamic ability in limited action, racking up 151 yards on seven kickoff returns. The former four-star recruit is expected to have a significant role in the backfield as a sophomore, alongside fellow running back Benjamin Hall.
Highly touted RB Jordan Marshall took the field against Texas, continuing a trend for the Wolverines getting true freshmen into the game on special teams. Here are all the freshmen who saw the field on Saturday: https://t.co/h5DYHKm1o5
— Maize n Brew (@MaizenBrew) September 8, 2024
Kalel Mullings explained why he believes the Michigan running backs will find success next season and beyond:
“As a senior, Jordan is the perfect freshman and I would say the same thing about Micah Ka’apana. I’ve been here for five years and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen young guys come in with that much maturity and ability to adjust to the college game so quickly. I commend them for that and I can’t wait to be an alumni watching those guys do their thing.”
The tight ends should continue to play at a high level as well, with Hansen and Prieskorn leading the pack. Hansen has five catches for 59 receiving yards and one touchdown this season, while Prieskorn is hoping to make a leap next year.
Colston Loveland said both tight ends have impressed him and will go on to have great careers at Michigan:
“They have been doing good and have just been working. The jump that they made is crazy since they enrolled early. You wouldn’t have thought that they would be playing but the fact that they’re traveling and going out there and playing in crucial moments of games is cool to see. They are in great hands with coach Casula and they will be great players.”
Michigan could lean on Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen to play a pivotal role this weekend if Colston Loveland can’t suit up. Tight ends coach Steve Casula expressed confidence in both the backups if they’re called upon: https://t.co/KECYoB9MfA
— Maize n Brew (@MaizenBrew) September 18, 2024
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines will be bolstered by several rising underclassmen including defensive ends Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols, safeties Mason Curtis and Brandyn Hillman, and cornerback Jyaire Hill.
“When my coach needs me, I know I’m ready. I just want to go 100 percent, do what coaches tell me to and do what my team needs me to do,” Hillman said on Tuesday. “Everybody is bought in. Nobody has more authority than somebody else. The younger guys like Mason Curtis and Jo’Ziah Edmond are really coming along and are learning the playbook.”
After taking over for Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore’s first year at the helm has been marred by mediocrity with the Wolverines sitting at 5-5, which will only add to the pressure of finding success next season.
It remains to be seen if Michigan can return to national prominence but the program’s talent pipeline is still strong and an influx of promising young players set to come back could help the Wolverines bounce back sooner rather than later.