Spring ball always creates buzz around breakout players, but just as important are the guys with something to lose. For Michigan, a handful of returning contributors enter the spring in a slightly different position than they were a year ago.
Whether it’s rising competition, new expectations, or both, these are three Wolverines who need a strong spring to hold onto their roles.
Cam Brandt
For the first time in a while, Michigan’s edge competition feels pretty open. And with a returning defensive end that posted
more than 400 snaps, that’s something that demands a bit of unpacking.
Cam Brandt actually played a lot last season, even if it didn’t always feel like it. He logged just 35 fewer snaps than Derrick Moore, but the production never quite matched up with the usage. He had a 59.2 PFF grade with 22 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and just half a sack.
There’s some context there, of course. Under Wink Martindale, Brandt was part of a rotation-heavy system and clearly had the staff’s trust. But this is a new staff, a new system and a clean slate. If Brandt doesn’t take a noticeable step forward this spring, it’s not hard to imagine guys like Dom Nichols or Nate Marshall starting to close that gap quickly.
Hogan Hansen
Tight end might not be getting the same level of attention as other position groups, but it’s quietly one of the more unsettled spots on the roster. Something that puts Hogan Hansen in an interesting position heading into the spring.
As a freshman, Hansen looked like he could be one of the future offensive leaders on this team. He appeared in 10 games, caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. He was also named the team’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, which only added to the early momentum.
Since then, though, things have cooled off a bit. He has taken more of a backseat over the last couple seasons, and is now in a spot where he needs to re-establish his role. And with other proven contributors like Deakon Tonielli and Jalen Hoffman already pushing for snaps, the margin for error is pretty thin.
Bryson Kuzdzal
There’s no question Bryson Kuzdzal is a good back. He proved that last season as a reliable RB3, someone the staff felt comfortable putting in the game.
But can he carry the load as a full-time No. 2 to Jordan Marshall? Because at Michigan, the expectation isn’t just to be solid — it’s to be part of a one-two punch. Think Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, or more recently, Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall. That’s the standard, and now Kuzdzal is the one being asked to meet it.
The question is whether he can take that next step and maintain that usage. While he’s been dependable, he hasn’t really been asked to carry a bigger load yet. And with Savion Hiter already pushing for reps, that opportunity might come with some real pressure. If Kuzdzal can show he’s got what it takes to churn out tough yards against top competition, he’ll lock himself into that RB2 role.
