Michigan Football Position Groups Ranked for Spring 2026
Spring practice offered a clearer picture of how Michigan might look in 2026. Filmogaz.com ranked the position groups by confidence this spring. The evaluation highlights where the Wolverines feel plug-and-play and where questions remain.
Running backs
Justice Haynes may not return. Jordan Marshall has shown he can carry a full workload. Five-star freshman Savion Hiter provides high-end upside behind Marshall.
Bryson Kuzdzal gives the group a reliable second option. The room looks physical and deep enough to carry late-season games. If Hiter emerges early, the backfield could make national noise.
Wide receivers
The receiving corps projects for more than 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2026. That estimate excludes true freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson arriving this cycle.
Sophomore Andrew Marsh already proved to be a productive piece. New additions J.J. Buchanan and Jaime Ffrench add size and different skill sets. Buchanan has spoken openly about how the group complements Bryce Underwood.
Tight ends and pass-catching depth
Coaching changes elevated confidence in this unit. Jim Harding’s arrival paired with returning pieces creates stability.
Andrew Sprague, Jake Guarnera, Evan Link and Blake Frazier bring experience. Depth includes Andrew Babalola, Nathan Efobi and Brady Norton. The group could realistically rotate six to eight players without a big drop-off.
Cornerbacks
Experience is the defining feature here. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry are multi-year starters who have played at a high level.
Utah transfer Smith Snowden adds more veteran presence. Coach Jay Hill’s scheme is expected to free the secondary to make more plays. Depth behind the starters remains the main concern.
Interior defensive line
Trey Pierce returns after logging major snaps last season. Enow Etta has already shown he can impact games.
Jonah Lea’ea arrives from Utah to slot into the rotation. Michigan did lose production from Rayshaun Benny, Damon Payne Jr. and Tre Williams. The pieces exist, but execution must follow.
Quarterbacks
Bryce Underwood enters Year 2 under offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Koy Detmer Jr. remains the quarterbacks coach.
Underwood offers arm talent, mobility and leadership. Teammates expect a significant leap, but depth behind him is uncertain after Colin Hurley departed. This group still feels like a coin flip.
Defensive ends and edge rushers
John Henry Daley’s recovery is pivotal. Before his injury, Daley recorded 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
He is expected to be cleared by June 1. If healthy, he becomes the unit’s centerpiece. Other names to watch include Nate Marshall, Dominic Nichols and Cameron Brandt.
Safeties and secondary depth
One defensive group was underwhelming in 2025 and saw little change this spring. Losing Marlin Klein heightened those concerns.
Players such as Zack Marshall, Deakon Tonielli and Hogan Hansen can produce big plays. However, consistency across the group remains in question.
Linebackers
Michigan lost substantial production in recent departures. Ernest Hausmann, Jimmy Rolder, Jaishawn Barham and Cole Sullivan are no longer in the mix.
Troy Bowles is the most proven returning piece at the position. North Dakota State transfer Nathaniel Staehling joins the competition. Young players Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor offer upside, but the group is clearly in transition.
These assessments informed Filmogaz.com’s take on Michigan Football Position Groups Ranked for Spring 2026. Which rankings would you change? Share your thoughts in the comments section on Filmogaz.com.
