Now that the 2024-2025 college football season has truly ended, we can fully focus on the future. As the incoming transfers and the shiny new 2025 recruiting class get the buzz, there’s plenty of intrigue in what Michigan already has in the cupboard.<\/p>\n
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge the crucial roles and productive Michigan careers of former transfers like Ernest Hausmann<\/a> and Jaishawn Barham<\/a>. That said, we’ll focus here on players recruited to Michigan out of high school and already on the roster, particularly those who haven’t yet fully broken out on the field.<\/p>\n Let’s preview some underclassmen to watch on next year’s team.<\/p>\n Michigan will lose some major offensive pieces to either graduation or the draft. That includes offensive linemen Myles Hinton<\/a> and Josh Priebe<\/a>, running backs Kalel Mullings<\/a> and Donovan Edwards<\/a>, and tight end Colston Loveland<\/a>. A handful of other contributors are transferring elsewhere, including receiver Tyler Morris<\/a> and quarterback Alex Orji<\/a>.<\/p>\n This team is built first and foremost in the trenches, and Michigan has talent waiting in the wings. Rising sophomore Andrew Sprague<\/a> got to start at right tackle against Alabama. A massive 6-foot-8, 305-pounder, Sprague’s got prototypical length for a tackle. The former basketball player also has the athleticism to match up with the Big Ten’s onslaught of edge rushers. Michigan needs a big step forward from fellow tackle Evan Link<\/a>, who was a turnstile this past year, but there’s hope that Sprague can provide stability on the other side of the line.<\/p>\n There are a few options to replace Priebe at guard. Redshirt sophomore Nathan Efobi<\/a> has had a few years in Ann Arbor to ripen and brings a solid recruiting profile. He has long arms and great athleticism for the position and would be a devastating pulling blocker if he’s picked up on the coaching from Grant Newsome and Sherrone Moore. Michigan also has now-redshirt freshman Luke Hamilton<\/a> as an option. Hamilton’s a tough-as-nails run blocker with Trevor Keegan-level upside whenever he eventually hits the starting lineup.<\/p>\n Center Greg Crippen<\/a> returns to hopefully improve on an iffy 2024. Behind him, Michigan likes what they have in backup Jake Guarnera<\/a>. After a year of on-campus seasoning, he may be ready to push Crippen.<\/p>\n We saw a glimpse of the future at running back in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Jordan Marshall<\/a> and Ben Hall<\/a> took the lead and change-of-pace roles, against Alabama. If the offensive line gels, they should have no problems continuing Michigan’s recent string of impeccable rushing attacks.<\/p>\n The passing game remains a horse of a different color. Morris and Loveland accounted for nearly half of Michigan’s receiving yardage together, along with over 40% of the team’s total catches and seven of their twelve receiving touchdowns. It was an ugly season through the air, and they’re losing the two best parts of it.<\/p>\n We finally saw some life from Fred Moore<\/a> in the bowl game. That’s more than we can say for the players behind him. The option with the highest ceiling remains Amorion Walker<\/a>, whose enigmatic career thus far hasn’t amounted to much. He’s tall, fast, and very athletic, but remains thinner than you’d like for the position. If he can put it all together, Michigan would have two exciting outside threats to pair with Semaj Morgan<\/a> in the slot. Don’t count out Kendrick Bell<\/a>, either. He’s not the most highly touted recruit, but neither was his older brother Ronnie, who carved out a reliable role under Jim Harbaugh and recently signed a futures contract with the Detroit Lions.<\/p>\n The tight ends are less worrisome. Marlin Klein<\/a> and Hogan Hansen<\/a> have already taken turns playing Loveland-lite and looked good doing so. This being Michigan, there are a bevy of additional tight ends behind them. Keep an eye out for snaps from Zack Marshall<\/a>, Deakon Tonielli<\/a>, and prized redshirt freshman Brady Prieskorn<\/a>.<\/p>\n The defense takes a bigger hit, losing seven starters. In the same breath, there’s less concern here than on offense, as so many of 2025’s probable starters have already played quite a bit. Factoring in transfers at defensive tackle and cornerback, there’s a blurrier path to breakout stardom here. Nonetheless, some players have already flashed, and others are good bets to do the same when they get their chance.<\/p>\n The first name on insider’s lips during the 2024 Fall camp was, frequently, Cole Sullivan<\/a>. A severely underrated linebacker recruit, Sullivan’s speed, athleticism, and instincts fit nicely in Michigan’s second level. One key indicator of future success: Sullivan’s already played a bunch on special teams. Early special teams contributions mean coaches are looking for ways to prepare young players for more responsibility. He should rotate in behind Hausmann, Barham, and Jimmy Rolder<\/a>, with an eye on a starting role in 2026.<\/p>\n The secondary will see quite a bit of turnover, losing two corners and three safeties. We’ve already sung praises<\/a> for Brandyn Hillman<\/a>‘s eye-catching performance against Jalen Milroe<\/a>, but it’s worth reiterating that he looks like a good find. Having Rod Moore<\/a> back will give him an excellent leader and some footsteps to follow. Ditto for jumbo safety Mason Curtis<\/a>, who’s already got an interception on his resume.<\/p>\n Sophomore-to-be Jo’Ziah Edmond<\/a> is the most intriguing emergence at cornerback. Though the Wolverines have Jyaire Hill<\/a> and Zeke Berry<\/a>, Edmond should see an uptick in snaps. Like Sullivan, he’s a good bet to rotate in, spell the starters, and flash the talent that made him such a coveted recruit for this staff.<\/p>\nNext Man Up: Michigan’s Underclassmen To Watch<\/h2>\n
Offensive Line: Building A Foundation<\/h3>\n
Offensive Playmakers: Looking For Sparks<\/h3>\n
Defense: A Fresh Row Of Teeth<\/h3>\n
Anything Special Teams?<\/h3>\n