We’re just over a week away from Michigan’s season kicking off, as the Wolverines will take the field against New Mexico on Aug. 30. While you never take a win for granted, we’re probably all hoping to see Michigan get some points on the board, get a few big stops, and then get some of the newer/younger players on the field. Still, the first game of the season gives you a look at players stepping in for Michigan’s NFL departures.
Here are five of the players ready for bigger roles in 2025.
RB Jordan Marshall
The second-year
Marshall is ready to help lead the running back room in 2025. After the departures of Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, the group needs new leadership and talent to help deliver on head coach Sherrone Moore’s smash identity. It seems everything out of Marshall’s mouth during fall camp is complimentary of his teammates, including transfer running back Justice Haynes. He is one of the younger guys on the team that will receive significant playing time, but he’s ready to take on a huge role this fall.
Edge Derrick Moore
Derrick Moore is expected to have a much larger role on defense this season. After adjusting to a new defensive coordinator and working through an injury during the season, Moore’s production dropped from 34 tackles in 2023 to 23 tackles in 2024. Now, after the departure of Josaiah Stewart, Moore is the next man up so to speak. He and TJ Guy — who is also in line for a lot more snaps — worked well together in Michigan’s bowl game.
Moore was one of the players who made the trip to Big Ten Media Days. His leadership will likely be seen on and off the field throughout the year.
LB Ernest Hausmann
While he won’t have a bigger role on the field in 2025 — he was a starter last year, after all and recorded 89 tackles — Hausmann is another player who made the trip to Big Ten Media Days this summer and should be in line for a larger role when it comes to being a team leader. It’ll be exciting to see what he does this fall in his final year in college.
DB Brandyn Hillman
Hillman is one of those players who really came into his own as the season progressed and capped it off with an impressive performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. While Hillman will compete for snaps in a loaded secondary, he ended 2024 with 21 tackles and two pass breakups. He had a chance to learn under Martindale for an entire season and brings a lot of intensity on the defense.
TE Marlin Klein
It’s tough for anyone to have to fill the shoes left by a guy now playing in the NFL, but imagine trying to step up after the departure of Colston Loveland. That’s what Michigan needs from Klein this season. Tight ends don’t just help the pass game, they’re staples on the offensive line as well to help pave the way for the running backs. Klein has been working on that aspect of his game a lot this offseason, so this should be the year he takes a big step forward.
Who do you think is ready for a bigger role in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
