We take a look at the three position groups we’re most concerned about for Michigan football ahead of the team’s 2025 spring practices:
As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for spring ball, the program finds itself in a bit of a transitional period for multiple position groups. Yes, Sherrone Moore’s 2025 squad seems solid at various positions like offensive and defensive line, safety and running back, but there are still some areas that raise concerns.
Here’s a look at three of our biggest positions of concern ahead of the team’s return to action this spring.
Cornerback
Michigan’s secondary was a strength in 2024, but with the departures of All-American Will Johnson to the NFL and starting cornerback Aamir Hall exhausting his eligibility, the Wolverines face major uncertainty at corner.
Michigan does return some starting experience in Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill, though both saw their roles change substantially late last season due to poor play. Berry, however, responded well to the shakeup and delivered strong performances down the stretch. Meanwhile, Hill excelled in a rotational role during the Wolverines’ ReliaQuest Bowl victory against Alabama.
Transfer additions such as Caleb Anderson, and TJ and Tevis Metcalf have potential, as do true freshmen like Shamari Earls and Jordan Young, but it remains to be seen how this group will perform together. With some big holes to fill, the Wolverines will need their corners to step up in a big way.
Tight End
Tight end has been a staple of Michigan’s offense in recent years, but the unit will look vastly different in 2025. Colston Loveland, who ended the season as roughly 35 percent of the Wolverines’ receiving production, is off to the NFL, leaving behind a massive question mark as to how the offense will manage going forward.
Marlin Klein will have an opportunity to take advantage, but he has yet to prove himself as a primary target. Hogan Hansen will undoubtedly get a longer leash in 2025, and Michigan has other guys like Zack Marshall and Brady Prieskorn waiting for their chance. Still, the lack of proven experience is a real concern.
The Wolverines will need a reliable tight end to emerge as a security blanket in the passing game. Let’s hope spring practices give the coaching staff a chance to evaluate who can step into that role.
Wide Receiver
Michigan has some returning talent at wide receiver, but the problem is that returning talent didn’t perform well in 2024. The loss of Tyler Morris to the transfer portal is particularly significant, as he logged 120 more snaps than any other wide receiver in Ann Arbor last season.
Semaj Morgan, Peyton O’Leary and Kendrick Bell should all be in the mix, but none of them are true No. 1 guys. The offense could get a boost if Fred Moore continues to develop into a reliable target, or if one of the incoming transfers in Donaven McCulley and Anthony Simpson make a big impact. Either way, with a new quarterback leading the charge, building chemistry with this group will be critical.
Michigan’s passing attack wasn’t particularly explosive last season, and if the Wolverines are to keep defenses honest in 2025, their receivers need to take a big step forward.