Despite Michigan losing Tyler Morris to the transfer portal and Colston Loveland to the NFL Draft, Michigan’s wide receiver and tight end rooms should still be stellar in 2025. Here’s why:
Michigan is gearing up for a significant offensive overhaul next season. With newly-appointed offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey leading the charge, Sherrone Moore actively pursuing transfer portal quarterbacks, and five-star Bryce Underwood poised to eventually be the program’s centerpiece, the focus now shifts to the pass-catchers that will help tie it all together.
Here’s a breakdown of how things are shaping up heading into the offseason.
Big Departures
Michigan will feel the loss of some key contributors in 2025, most notably wide receiver Tyler Morris (portal) and tight end Colston Loveland (NFL Draft ).
• Colston Loveland: The standout tight end was a matchup nightmare and one of Michigan’s most productive offensive players, finishing with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.
• Tyler Morris: Morris was Michigan’s most established threat at wide receiver this year, finishing with 23 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns. His departure leaves a significant void in the passing game.
Key Returnees
Despite those losses, Michigan will return several players with the potential to step into larger roles in 2025.
• Peyton O’Leary: O’Leary enters the offseason as Michigan’s most experienced returning wideout. He logged 336 snaps in 2024, catching nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. With a more dynamic quarterback and a new offensive coordinator, O’Leary could emerge as a reliable veteran presence.
• Semaj Morgan: After a disappointing 2024 season (23 receptions, 134 yards), Morgan will aim to bounce back as a junior. His explosiveness and versatility were on display in 2023, and with a revamped offense, he has a chance to reestablish himself as a playmaker.
• Kendrick Bell: The younger brother of former Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell, Kendrick earned significant playing time in 2024. While his production (seven catches for 70 yards) was limited, his time on the field reflects the coaching staff’s belief in his potential.
• Fredrick Moore: Moore showcased flashes of brilliance in limited action last season. Despite playing fewer snaps than five others at the position, he graded the highest of Michigan’s wideouts in 2024, per PFF. Look for him to carve out a bigger role in 2025.
Newcomers
Michigan has bolstered its receiving corps through both the transfer portal and recruiting, bringing in fresh talent to complement its returning players.
• Donaven McCulley (Indiana transfer): The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder gives Michigan a much-needed big-bodied target on the outside. In 2023, McCulley led the Hoosiers in receptions (48), receiving yards (644), and touchdowns (six). After battling injuries in 2024, he’s poised for a strong comeback in Ann Arbor.
• Andrew Marsh: Ranked as the No. 75 overall prospect in the 2025 class and 10th at his position, Marsh has the tools to make an immediate impact at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds.
• Jacob Washington and Jamar Browder: Washington and Browder will bring raw talent and depth to a receiving corps looking to improve after a lackluster 2024 season. They also both bring size to the table, as Washington is 6-foot-3 and 183 pounds, and Browder is even bigger at 6-foot-5 and 208 pounds.
Tight End Outlook
Replacing Loveland will be a significant challenge, but Michigan still has talent waiting in the wings.
• Marlin Klein: The veteran enters the offseason as the presumptive starter in 2025. However, his 56.7 PFF grade in 2024 suggests there’s room for improvement.
• Hogan Hansen: A standout freshman in 2024, Hansen earned one of the top offensive grades on the team despite limited developmental snaps. His playmaking ability and potential to supplant Klein will be a storyline to watch.
• Depth Options: Players like Zack Marshall, Brady Prieskorn, and incoming freshman Eli Owens could also factor into the competition.
Final Thoughts
The Wolverines’ receivers and tight ends will feature a mix of experienced contributors and promising newcomers in 2025. While the losses of guys like Morris and Loveland are significant, the addition of McCulley in the portal and the development of players like Hansen provide reason for optimism.
With the Wolverines’ quarterback situation looking more promising than it has in the past year, and with the addition of Lindsey as offensive coordinator, Michigan’s passing attack is poised to enter a new era.