The Michigan Wolverines' spring ball has provided a glimpse into the team's position group battles, but many questions remain unanswered. While some spots appear settled, others are trending in a direction, and a few are still wide open. With a few months to go before fall camp, here's a breakdown of the current state of affairs.
Quarterback
The quarterback position is as settled as it gets at the top. Bryce Underwood is QB1, and nothing has changed that. Kyle Whittingham made that clear, even with true freshman Tommy Carr putting together a strong showing in the spring game. The real battle here is for QB2. Carr, who showed good decision-making and didn't look overwhelmed in the game, took all those reps this spring and likely has the inside track. But that's still something to monitor once Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi makes his way onto campus.
Personally, I think the QB2 battle will be fascinating to watch. Carr has the inside track, but Fowler-Nicolosi's arrival could shake things up. What makes this particularly interesting is the potential for a fresh perspective and a new dynamic in the quarterback room. In my opinion, the addition of Fowler-Nicolosi could be a game-changer, bringing a new energy and a different style of play to the team.
Running Back
Running back feels clearly defined at the top as well. Jordan Marshall is RB1, while freshman Savion Hiter is going to have a role right away. The staff has been very open about that, and everything we've seen backs that up. Where things get a little more interesting is behind those two. Bryson Kuzdzal has already proven he can handle a heavy workload if needed, so he feels locked in as the No. 3 option. With Micah Ka'apana out for the season, Jonathan Brown or Tomas O'Meara could be next in line, but that spot could still shift before the season starts.
One thing that immediately stands out is the depth at running back. The staff has shown confidence in Hiter's ability to contribute right away, which is a refreshing change of pace. What many people don't realize is that the running back room is not just about the top two options; it's about the depth and versatility that can be brought to the game. If you take a step back and think about it, the presence of Hiter and the potential for Brown or O'Meara to step up could be a game-changer for the team's offensive strategy.
Wide Receiver
This is where things start to tighten up. Andrew Marsh, J.J. Buchanan, Salesi Moa, and Jaime Ffrench are already on record from Whittingham as the top four options right now, but there’s a lot to be figured out after that. Channing Goodwin, Kendrick Bell, Travis Johnson, and Jamar Browder are all options to see action behind those four. There is still plenty of time left to shore up the rotation, but it’s nice to see things somewhat settled for the starters of this group heading into summer.
From my perspective, the wide receiver room is a fascinating mix of experience and potential. The top four options are already set, but the battle for the fifth and sixth spots is intense. What makes this particularly interesting is the potential for a fresh perspective and a new dynamic in the wide receiver room. In my opinion, the addition of Goodwin, Bell, Johnson, and Browder could bring a new energy and a different style of play to the team.
Tight End
This group is less about a clear battle and more about figuring out what it looks like in the new offense. With Marlin Klein off to the NFL, there isn't a proven No. 1 option. Hogan Hansen, Zack Marshall, and Deakon Tonielli have all played, but none have carried the load for a full season. Marshall feels like the best bet to emerge, especially considering his 2025 snap count, but this is a group that may be used differently depending on how the offense evolves under Jason Beck. The presence of H-backs like Jalen Hoffman and Eli Owens adds another layer, and how those pieces are used could shape this room more than a traditional depth chart would.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of H-backs in the new offense. The addition of Hoffman and Owens could bring a new dynamic to the tight end room, allowing for a more versatile and dynamic approach to the position. What this really suggests is that the tight end room may not be as traditional as it once was, and the staff may be looking for a more modern and adaptable approach to the position.
Offensive Line
This one's less about finding bodies and more about deciding who works best where. Andrew Sprague, Evan Link, Blake Frazier, and Andrew Babalola all factor in at tackle, and it feels like three of those four will start with the fourth sliding into that sixth-man role. Inside, Jake Guarnera is the only true center option with experience, which makes that spot important to solidify. The guard positions are still open, with players like Nathan Efobi and Brady Norton competing. This group will likely look different in fall camp than it did in the spring.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of the center position. Guarnera's experience and leadership will be crucial in setting the tone for the offensive line. What many people don't realize is that the guard positions are not just about finding bodies; they're about finding the right combination of players who can work together and adapt to different situations. If you take a step back and think about it, the addition of Efobi and Norton could bring a new energy and a different style of play to the offensive line.
Defensive Line
Things feel a lot more stable here than they might have looked on paper a few months ago, with the Wolverines' depth at edge presenting the only real question mark. John Henry Daley is expected to be the centerpiece off the edge once he’s fully back, and behind him there are a few names that will continue competing. Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, and Nate Marshall are all in the mix, with Marshall in particular being an interesting option as a once-highly-touted recruit stepping into his sophomore season. It’s also worth noting that Brandt played the most snaps of any returning edge in 2025, and Nichols was one of the defense’s highest-graded overall players.
From my perspective, the defensive line is a fascinating mix of experience and potential. The depth at edge is a real strength, with Daley leading the way and a strong supporting cast behind him. What makes this particularly interesting is the potential for a fresh perspective and a new dynamic in the defensive line. In my opinion, the addition of Brandt, Nichols, and Marshall could bring a new energy and a different style of play to the defense.
Linebacker
This room lost a lot of experience, and while there’s room for optimism, it’s still iffy. Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor, and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng were the three names Whittingham pointed to at this position coming out of spring ball, which says a lot about how things are trending. Transfers like Nathaniel Staehling will factor in at some point, but as of now, the core looks like it’s coming from the returning group. This is a position that may continue to evolve through the summer.
One thing that immediately stands out is the loss of experience in the linebacker room. The staff will need to find a way to fill the void left by the departing players. What many people don't realize is that the linebacker room is not just about finding bodies; it's about finding the right combination of players who can work together and adapt to different situations. If you take a step back and think about it, the addition of Staehling could bring a new energy and a different style of play to the linebacker room.
Secondary
There’s a solid mix of stability and unknown here. The safety group should be anchored by veteran transfer Chris Bracy and players like Mason Curtis (and Rod Moore if he’s fully healthy). Around them, Jordan Young give Michigan youth and a bit of experience on the back end. There’s still some sorting out to do at corner, but mostly just stemming from an interesting battle for the starting nickel job. Zeke Berry and Smith Snowden both have experience there, and Jay Hill has been taking his time figuring out the best fit.
One thing that immediately stands out is the mix of stability and unknown in the secondary. The safety group is anchored by Bracy, who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the room. What many people don't realize is that the corner position is not just about finding bodies; it's about finding the right combination of players who can work together and adapt to different situations. If you take a step back and think about it, the addition of Berry, Snowden, and Hill could bring a new energy and a different style of play to the secondary.
