With spring ball heating up, it’s a perfect time to take stock of where Michigan Football’s position groups stand across the board. Today, we power rank all the positions and give an overall confidence rating:
After losing most of its offensive and defensive production from 2024 to the NFL, the Michigan Wolverines brought in a top-tier recruiting class and made more than a few interesting moves in the transfer portal.
Several notable names are also back with high expectations, but not all position groups are created equal. Here’s how we power rank each position group heading into spring, from most to least confident.
1. Running Back, Confidence Level: Very high
Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards may be gone, but Michigan might have upgraded in overall explosiveness. Jordan Marshall flashed major upside in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes joins the mix with elite pedigree and SEC experience. With two versatile, high upside players, Michigan could have one of the most dangerous backfields in the country.
2. Defensive Line, Confidence Level: Very high
Despite losing Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart, Michigan reloaded in a big way. Edge rushers Derrick Moore and TJ Guy return and played their best ball at the end of 2024, particularly against Alabama. Dom Nichols and Cameron Brandt are also emerging behind them. Rayshaun Benny finally gets his shot to lead on the inside, and Damon Payne Jr. and Tre Williams add needed experience and depth.
This group may not dominate like in 2024, but the overall defensive line remains a strength.
3. Quarterback, Confidence Level: High
Last year’s revolving door at quarterback was a low point. This year? Optimism is back, baby! Bryce Underwood might be the most important recruit in Michigan history, but Mikey Keene, the experienced Fresno State transfer, is going to give him a run for his money to start the season. With Chip Lindsey — who helped turn Drake Maye into a top-five pick — now coordinating the offense, the floor feels significantly higher with this position group.
4. Linebacker, Confidence Level: High
Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham return after leading the team in tackles last year and improving steadily as the season wore on. Depth isn’t an issue either, with Jimmy Rolder, Jaydon Hood, Troy Bowles and Cole Sullivan behind them. This group might not make any national watchlists, but it has the depth and experience needed to succeed.
5. The secondary, Confidence Level: Promising but uncertain
This group is a mixed bag. At safety, getting Rod Moore back is huge — he’s a leader and playmaker who missed all of 2024. Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis and Arkansas transfer TJ Metcalf give the group a ton of talent and versatility.
The concern is at cornerback. Zeke Berry showed promise after switching roles, but Jyaire Hill struggled with consistency while Ja’Den McBurrows has battled injuries throughout his career. The Wolverines added highly touted freshman Shamari Earls, but this unit still needs answers — and maybe another portal addition outside of Caleb Anderson and Tevis Metcalf — to inspire full confidence.
6. Offensive Line, Confidence Level: Cautiously optimistic
This unit took a step back in 2024 and is replacing its most experienced contributor, Myles Hinton, but there are encouraging signs. Greg Crippen (center) and Gio El-Hadi (left guard) provide necessary experience inside, while Evan Link (left tackle) and Andrew Sprague (right tackle) could form a solid tackle duo — they both graded out very well against Bama in the bowl game.
Freshmen Ty Haywood and Andrew Babalola add high-end talent to the room, and there’s some portal help in Brady Norton and Lawrence Hattar. This unit could gel into something solid, but it wouldn’t surprise to see some hiccups early on.
7. Tight End, Confidence Level: We’ll see
Max Bredeson returns as the offense’s H-back Swiss Army Knife, but the loss of Colston Loveland to the NFL looms large. Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen are the likely stat leaders of the group for 2025, but neither was heavily utilized in Loveland’s absence when he was hurt late in the season. This won’t be a weakness, but I don’t expect it to be the engine of the offense either.
8. Special Teams, Confidence Level: We’ll see
The biggest reason for confidence here is the return of kicker Dominic Zvada, who was lights out last season and played a crucial role in high-stakes moments like the win over Ohio State. With one of the most accurate legs in the country, Zvada gives Michigan a reliable weapon in close games, and he’s expected to continue that elite level of play.
Beyond the kicking game, things are a bit less clear. The Wolverines are replacing punter Tommy Doman following his transfer to Florida. Hudson Hollenbeck, who punted against Alabama, appears to be the frontrunner. Michigan is also replacing long snapper William Wagner with UCLA transfer Trent Middleton. While there’s optimism the return game will progress, the performance of new players will determine Michigan’s special teams, so we are in a bit of a wait-and-see here.
9. Wide Receiver, Confidence Level: Prove it
This room is full of possibilities but very few guarantees. Semaj Morgan is the most productive returner, while Fredrick Moore, Kendrick Bell and Amorion Walker have shown flashes, but lack consistency.
The Wolverines added Donaven McCulley from Indiana and Anthony Simpson from UMass, and while both bring potential, they also bring minuscule production recently, with both not having contributed significantly since 2023. True freshman early enrollee Andrew Marsh also has a real chance to get on the field early. With better quarterback play, this group could surprise — we just haven’t seen it yet.