Based on Saturday’s spring game, Michigan should have no shortage of contributors at various positions on defense. Today, we sift through them and predict what the defensive depth chart looks like post-spring:
Michigan’s defense had a great second half of the 2024 season after it stumbled a bit out of the gates. The Wolverines are set to lose players like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart and others that made the strong finish possible. However, the cupboard is far from bare on the defensive side of the ball in 2025, while Wink Martindale’s return as defensive coordinator should further stabilize the situation.
This past Saturday, Michigan wrapped up the spring with its annual spring game at Michigan Stadium, allowing fans to get a glimpse at what’s been developing behind closed doors. Based on what we saw, it would appear that the Wolverines should once again be stout defensively thanks to the depth and talent at several positions.
Today, we’ll sort through all the names and give our prediction of what the defensive depth chart looks like heading into the summer.
Defensive Tackle
Starters – Rayshaun Benny, Tre Williams
Depth – Damon Payne, Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, Ike Iwunnah, Bobby Kanka, Travis Moten, Benny Patterson
While defensive tackle might not have the top-end talent that it had a year ago, it has the depth to make up for it. Rayshaun Benny and Tre Williams should be the two primary starters, but expect Michigan to rotate five to six players through its defensive front during its games.
Earlier this spring, defensive line coach Lou Esposito said that he refers to several players in the group as starters . Furthermore, he mentioned that Michigan should benefit from having fresh guys to rotate in at all times.
Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, and Ike Iwunnah will be the names to watch during the summer. None have played huge roles at Michigan so far in their careers, but are poised to be important pieces this year. Meanwhile, a trio of freshmen in Bobby Kanka, Travis Moten, and Benny Patteson will look to further deepen the group as they grow acclimated to the defense this summer.
Edge Rusher
Starters – Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy
Depth – Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, Kechaun Bennett, Chibi Anwunnah, Nathaniel Marshall, Julius Holly, Tyler McLaurin
Much like defensive tackle, Michigan appears to have some solid depth along the edge with four players that could play big roles this year. Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy should get most of the opportunities this season after having big roles a year ago.
The development of Dominic Nichols this spring has been positive for the Wolverines. A sophomore speed rusher, he has a similar skillset to T.J. Guy and the departing Josaiah Stewart. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he eventually surpasses Cameron Brandt as the No. 3 man on the depth chart.
Further down the depth chart, Michigan lacks experience, as players like Kechaun Bennett, Chibi Anwunnah, and Tyler McLaurin haven’t seen the field much in their college careers. Highly-touted four-star Nathaniel Marshall will arrive on campus this summer, but look for him to factor into the mix more in 2026.
Linebacker
Starters – Ernest Hausmann, Jaishawn Barham
Depth – Jimmy Rolder, Cole Sullivan, Jaydon Hood, Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor
Off-ball linebacker is another spot where Michigan is in a good place. Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham were the starters last year and there’s no reason to expect that to change in 2025. Behind them though, things get interesting.
Cole Sullivan is entering his sophomore year after being a special teams contributor as a freshman. He’s drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff ever since he got to campus, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he jumps Jimmy Rolder for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart with a good summer.
Troy Bowles is another intriguing option after coming over from Georgia in the winter. Meanwhile freshmen Nathaniel-Owusu Boateng and Chase Taylor will look to make some noise as well in the summer.
Cornerback
Starters – Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, Tevis Metcalf (Nickel)
Depth – Jo’Ziah Edmond, Shamari Earls, Caleb Anderson, Jeremiah Lowe, Mason Curtis (nickel)
The secondary is where things get rather interesting for Michigan, as there are plenty of viable players that can play multiple positions. Much like the defensive line, expect plenty of players to see the field, but some players might rotate between safety, outside corner, and the nickel spot.
Starting with the outside corners, Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill seem like a good bet to start right now. However, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Shamari Earls, and Jeremiah Lowe all looked solid in the spring game and could be on the doorstep of more playing time. Furthermore, Caleb Anderson bring some veteran experience to the table that Michigan might look to rely on.
Moving to the nickel spot, we’ll pencil in Tevis Metcalf for right now. He was also a standout in the spring game for the maize team and even recorded an interception. Michigan hasn’t been shy about rotating several players into the nickel spot this spring though, which is why we could see Mason Curtis and other players that are predominantly safeties play that role this year.
Safety
Starters – Brandyn Hillman, Rod Moore
Depth – Mason Curtis, T.J. Metcalf, Jaden Mangham, Jordan Young, Jacob Oden, Kainoa Winston, Elijah Dotson
As we just mentioned with the cornerbacks, the safety spots could feature a rotating cast of characters this fall, as there’s no shortage of good options. Since the end of last season, Brandyn Hillman has been picking up steam and seems to be the favorite for one of the starting spots. Rod Moore should be back healthy by the start of the season as well and should grab the other starting spot.
Behind Hillman and Moore, Mason Curtis and his long, lanky frame should be a candidate for an increased workload this year, while T.J. Metcalf brings over some experience after starting at Arkansas in 2024. Jaden Mangham is back as well, but didn’t play much of a role last season after earning All-Big Ten honorable mentions at Michigan State in 2023.
Further down the depth chart, freshman Jordan Young could be a fast-riser after being with the team this spring. Elijah Dotson and Kainoa Winston were the other two safety prospects in Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class and will be joining the team in the summer. Jacob Oden is back as well to play a reserve role.